Building the Therapeutic Alliance: Key Factors for Successful Outcomes

Abstract

OUTLINE FOR FINAL PAPER How does the therapeutic relationship influence the outcome of therapy? What techniques or strategies are used to create a treatment alliance? Describe and illustrate. To what degree does the therapist overtly control sessions? How active/directive is the therapist? Does the therapist assume responsibility for bringing about the changes desired? Is the responsibility left to the patient? The responsibility shared? Does the therapist use self-disclosure? What limits are imposed on therapist self-disclosure? In general, what role does the “person” of the therapist play in this approach? What are the clinical skills or other therapist attributes most essential to successful therapy in your approach? ** Does the therapist’s role change as therapy progresses? Does it change as termination approaches? ** Is countertransference recognized or employed in any fashion?