Using the Delphi Method to Define Relational Safety in Therapeutic Settings
- 1Technological University of the Shannon
Abstract
The concepts of "relationship," "relational depth," and "therapeutic alliance" are frequently cited in the literature related to the psychotherapeutic and counselling professions. Both therapists and researchers generally concur on the importance of relational safety for achieving positive therapeutic outcomes, although they often struggle to articulate precisely what it entails. Safety within psychotherapeutic relationships is believed to facilitate progress, promote healing, encourage transformation, and enable thorough exploration of client challenges. This innovative research aimed to provide a unique definition of relational safety from the viewpoint of Irish psychotherapeutic professionals. Although not routinely used in Irish psychotherapeutic research, the Delphi method, alongside reflexive thematic analysis, was used in this project. This research has delivered the first known documented definition of relational safety in therapeutic relationships from the perspective of an Irish therapist in Irish academic literature. A panel of experienced Irish psychotherapists and relationship mentors has endorsed this definition, further validating its significance and impact. By defining relational safety, a significant step has been taken to bridge a gap in the existing literature and foster an environment of thoughtful consideration in which professionals assume greater responsibility for understanding clients and their diverse needs.
Related
- Delphi consensus guidelines for fungal sepsis in non-neutropenic critically ill patients in resource-limited settings: fungal infection study forum expert recommendations
- Guidelines for the management of adult penicillin allergy in community and specialist settings in Australia and New Zealand: An AGREE II and Delphi-based approach.
- Fungal pneumonia in non-neutropenic critically ill patients: a Delphi consensus from the Fungal Infection Study Forum, India, with implications for resource-limited settings.
- International expert consensus on managing elective hernia repair in patients with Crohn’s disease using the Delphi method
- Reply to Crespo, J.; Iruzubieta, P. Comment on "Orozco-Beltrán et al. Evaluation, Management and Therapeutic Approach of Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome: A Multidisciplinary Delphi Expert Consensus. J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14, 8930".
BibTeX
@article{ryan2026using,
title = {{Using the Delphi Method to Define Relational Safety in Therapeutic Settings}},
author = {Aoife Ryan and Frank Houghton and Jennifer Stritch},
journal = {European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.24377/ejqrp.article3746},
url = {https://doi.org/10.24377/ejqrp.article3746},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Using the Delphi Method to Define Relational Safety in Therapeutic Settings
AU - Aoife Ryan
AU - Frank Houghton
AU - Jennifer Stritch
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/24
JO - European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy
DO - 10.24377/ejqrp.article3746
UR - https://doi.org/10.24377/ejqrp.article3746
AB - The concepts of "relationship," "relational depth," and "therapeutic alliance" are frequently cited in the literature related to the psychotherapeutic and counselling professions. Both therapists and researchers generally concur on the importance of relational safety for achieving positive therapeutic outcomes, although they often struggle to articulate precisely what it entails. Safety within psychotherapeutic relationships is believed to facilitate progress, promote healing, encourage transformation, and enable thorough exploration of client challenges. This innovative research aimed to provide a unique definition of relational safety from the viewpoint of Irish psychotherapeutic professionals. Although not routinely used in Irish psychotherapeutic research, the Delphi method, alongside reflexive thematic analysis, was used in this project. This research has delivered the first known documented definition of relational safety in therapeutic relationships from the perspective of an Irish therapist in Irish academic literature. A panel of experienced Irish psychotherapists and relationship mentors has endorsed this definition, further validating its significance and impact. By defining relational safety, a significant step has been taken to bridge a gap in the existing literature and foster an environment of thoughtful consideration in which professionals assume greater responsibility for understanding clients and their diverse needs.
SN - 1756-7599
ER -