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Relational competence involves not only forming but also repairing therapeutic alliances when ruptures occur. A rupture is a strain in the alliance, such as when a client feels misunderstood, dismissed, or devalued. Effective therapists respond with empathic attunement—acknowledging and validating the client’s experience—and then engage collaboratively in repairing the rupture. In this example, the therapist demonstrates responsiveness by validating anger and exploring implications for trust. Confrontation (A) may be useful at times but is not the central process here. Avoidance (C) would mean ignoring or minimizing the rupture, which risks alliance deterioration. Countertransference enactment (D) occurs when the therapist reacts defensively or unconsciously rather than reflectively. Successful rupture repair predicts better treatment outcomes across modalities. On the EPPP, candidates must recognize that alliance ruptures are common and that effective repair strategies are critical components of relational competence.