Many factors can influence our recovery process— the research often divides them into a few categories, including “extratherapeutic factors, expectancy effects, specific therapy techniques, and common factors” (Lambert & Barley, 2001). “Common factors” sounds vague and boring but it’s often where the magic happens— these are typically relational influences like empathy, warmth, and the therapeutic alliance. The quality of the relationship between client and clinician MATTERS. It can be the difference between a client’s growth and recovery or shutdown and retraumatization. Specialized interventions are very important as well— BUT, they will be less effective (if at all) if there is no trust + safety in the therapeutic relationship first.