The strength of the therapeutic alliance (TA) and the impact it has on the success of psychotherapy is an area that has been extensively studied over the years (Falkenström, Granström, & Holmqvist, 2014; Hendriksen, Peen, Van, Barber, & Dekker, 2014; This review will highlight key research findings and issues surrounding TA and its influence on the clinical practice of psychotherapy from Bordin's influential definition of the term “working alliance” (WA) (Bordin 1979, as cited in (C. Gelso, 2014; Samardžić & Nikolić, 2014; Horvath, Flückiger, Del Re, & Symonds, 2011). Bordin's definition accentuates the importance of the client-therapist relationship and their agreement on key aspects of therapy, including proposed goals, the tasks associated with achieving those goals, and the emotional bond between therapist and client. provides a great foundation for the therapist and client to develop a relationship strong enough to withstand the ups and downs and emotional conflicts. which are present in most therapies (Gelso, 2011, as cited in Gelso, 2014). However, too often the concept of WA is used to represent TA as a whole (C. Gelso, 2014). Recent researchers have advised against it.) referring to WA and TA as equivalent (Gelso, 2014; Marmarosh et al. 2009; Horvath, 2009 & Gelso, 2009), suggesting that TA is a multidimensional construct that represents much more than WA alone. WA is now understood as just one component of what makes a successful therapeutic relationship. Through further field research, a number of additional factors have emerged that appear to have... half of the article ......influence on both the session-by-session outcome and the overall treatment outcome. - The first measure to evaluate the real relationship in psychotherapy was developed by Gelso et al., (2005). This measure obtained feedback exclusively from the therapist with results showing that there was a moderate to strong correlation between the actual relationship and the factors used to measure session outcome. Furthermore, this strong real relationship has been found to develop insight in the client due to the sense of security established by a good relationship (CJ Gelso et al., 2005). - Furertes- Marmarosh - Self-disclosure on the part of the therapist is also observed helping the client to see the therapist as a real and human being, thus increasing the real relationship Barrett & Berman, 2001. Paragraph 6: Transference and countertransference Paragraph 7: Studies that examined T and CTP Paragraph 8: Conclusion?