1. an association or connection between objects, events, variables, or other phenomena. See also correlation.

2. a continuing and often committed association between two or more people, as in a family, friendship, marriage, partnership, or other interpersonal link in which the participants have some degree of influence on each other’s thoughts, feelings, and actions. In psychotherapy, the therapist–patient relationship is thought to be an essential aspect of patient improvement. As with other relationships in life, therapeutic relationships characterized by trust, warmth, respect, and understanding are more likely to result in positive outcomes for the patient.