The Importance of Building Rapport in Therapy: Why It Matters

By: Lutricia A. Logan

Building rapport is at the heart of effective therapy. It’s the foundation that creates trust, comfort, and a sense of safety between therapist and client, enabling deeper, more meaningful work. Using insights from a therapist’s personal experiences, this article highlights why rapport matters and how it shapes the therapeutic journey.

Creating a Safe Space for Clients

One therapist reflected on their own experience as a therapy client and the crucial role rapport played. Feeling truly heard and understood by a therapist who remembered past conversations and was genuinely attentive made all the difference. Now, as a therapist, they emphasize creating that same environment of safety and comfort for their clients.

“Building rapport starts with getting to know a client’s likes, dislikes, and boundaries,” they explain. “I make it a priority to understand what topics they’re ready to discuss and which ones they’re not yet comfortable addressing. This builds trust and helps clients feel they can open up at their own pace.”

Cultural Competence and Tailored Approaches

Rapport extends beyond listening—it includes understanding a client’s unique cultural and personal context. The therapist shared that when working with clients from different cultural backgrounds, they ask thoughtful questions to better understand their experiences and perspectives. This not only builds trust but also ensures that therapy is relevant and respectful of the client’s identity.

Rapport Takes Time...And That’s Okay

Every client-therapist relationship is unique, and the time it takes to build rapport varies. Some clients feel comfortable sharing deeply personal details in the very first session, while others may take months to reach that level of trust. “You can’t place a time limit on building rapport,” the therapist says. “It depends on the client, the therapist, and the dynamic between them.”

In some cases, the therapist and client may not click. Recognizing this is essential. “If rapport isn’t building, I reflect on whether it might be best to refer the client to someone they may feel more comfortable with. Therapy works best when there’s a strong connection, and sometimes that means being honest and open about finding the right fit.”

When Rapport Hits Roadblocks

Clients don’t always feel comfortable telling a therapist when the relationship isn’t working. The therapist shared that many clients simply stop attending sessions rather than addressing their discomfort. To prevent this, they pay attention to subtle cues, such as how much a client is willing to share or how engaged they are with the therapeutic process.

“If I notice a lack of connection, I bring it up with the client. This honesty often helps, as it shows the client that I see and hear them. Sometimes, acknowledging the issue strengthens the rapport and makes the client feel more comfortable opening up.”

Adapting to the Environment

Rapport isn’t just about conversation; it’s also about creating a comfortable setting. The therapist shared a story about working with a teenager who felt unable to speak freely at home due to cameras and a lack of privacy. Recognizing this, they adjusted the session location to school or outdoors, where the client felt more at ease.

“When we moved outside, the client opened up completely,” the therapist recalls. “She trusted me because I adapted to her needs and respected her confidentiality. It was a turning point in our work together.”

Teletherapy and Building Rapport

The shift to teletherapy has introduced new challenges in rapport-building, but flexibility and communication can bridge the gap. The therapist shared a personal experience of attending a telehealth session while multitasking at home and how they’ve helped clients navigate similar scenarios.

“It’s about setting ground rules while being adaptable,” they explain. “For example, I’ve had clients who needed to balance therapy with household responsibilities. We worked together to create a setup that allowed them to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.”

Why Rapport Matters

Rapport isn’t just a nice addition, it’s essential for effective therapy. It creates a foundation where clients feel supported, validated, and motivated to engage in their healing process. While it doesn’t guarantee success, it makes progress more attainable by fostering trust and openness.

Final Thoughts

Building rapport in therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It requires listening, adapting, and understanding each client’s unique needs and context. Whether it takes one session or several months, rapport lays the groundwork for meaningful therapy outcomes. By prioritizing connection, therapists help clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to achieve their goals.