Premium
Therapeutic alliance and progress in couple therapy: multiple perspectives
Author(s) -
Glebova Tatiana,
BartleHaring Suzanne,
Gangamma Rashmi,
Knerr Michael,
Delaney Robin Ostrom,
Meyer Kevin,
McDowell Tiffany,
Adkins Katie,
Grafsky Erika
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1467-6427
pISSN - 0163-4445
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-6427.2010.00503.x
Subject(s) - alliance , psychology , perspective (graphical) , perception , psychotherapist , reciprocal , clinical psychology , linguistics , philosophy , neuroscience , artificial intelligence , political science , computer science , law
Therapeutic alliance research in couple therapy using multiple perspectives and longitudinal data has been sparse. This study used structural equation modelling to explore relationships between changes in alliance and in progress from clients' and therapists' perspective in a fairly large sample of couples ( N =195) during the initial stage of therapy at an on‐campus training clinic. Self‐rated alliance was measured after sessions 2 through 4 with the Working Alliance Inventory. There was very little change in alliance over the early sessions of therapy, and changes in alliance did not always account for changes in relationship satisfaction. Husbands' perceptions of satisfaction and alliance seem to play an important role in the dynamics of the therapeutic process. Findings suggest a reciprocal relationship between perceptions of alliance and progress in therapy when combining perceptions of therapists and couple clients. Clinical implications and future research are discussed.