Aim
Compared to the large number of studies on the bond aspect of the working alliance, there are relatively few studies on the aspects of tasks and goals. The aim of the present study is to elaborate on the technical aspects of the working alliance. Years of research that have yielded support for factors not exclusively specified in accordance to any specific treatment model, suggests a further need for analyses that go beyond single models in order to capture the phenomenon of collaboration and the integration of techniques in the formation of the working alliance. The present study aims at elaborating on our knowledge of how therapists from several theoretical traditions integrate the technical aspects in their ongoing practice. By illuminating the collaborative processes between clients and therapists, we seek to broaden our understanding of the phenomenon of the working alliance.
Method
Data derive from the first three sessions of the therapy courses of nine naturalistic therapies. The material is analyzed according to the steps for coding and categorizing as defined by constructivist grounded theory (Charmaz, 2003).
Results
Fifteen action descriptions were identified, forming five categories: Ensuring meaningfulness and relevance, being resource focused, ensuring a facilitative framework, establishing continuity and direction, being aware of complexity, the client’s ambivalence and resistance to change
Discussion
Findings will be discussed with respect to their conceptual and empirical implications.
Keywords
- Working alliance
- Goals
- Techniques
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Therapy-trainers