The therapeutic alliance: Adolescent perspectives

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptualisation of the therapeutic alliance from the adolescent perspective and discusses implications for practitioners. The main aim of the study was to focus on the factors that participants identified as important in relationship formation and maintenance. Eighteen individuals were interviewed using a semi‐structured format. Three major themes were identified: therapeutic environment, uniqueness of the therapeutic relationship, and therapist characteristics. Participants identified both positive and negative aspects of the therapeutic relationship. A strong alliance was found to be necessary in that the perception of the therapist as accepting, supportive and trustworthy influenced the adolescent's evaluation of the appropriateness of therapeutic tasks and goals. Participants stressed the importance of the supportive nature of the relationship in their willingness to collaborate in therapeutic interventions.

Examining Outpatient Treatment Dropout in Adolescents: A Literature Review

“…Research suggests that one reason goal setting may not be a factor critical to the youth alliance is that the goals identified by parents and clinicians differ substantially from those identified by adolescents (Everall and Paulson 2002;Zack et al 2007). Adolescents are more likely than adults to identify external sources of causation for their problems (De Los Reyes and Kazdin 2005;Garland et al 2004;Shirk and Saiz 1992).…”

“…The tripartite model was created and tested based on the Examining Outpatient Treatment Dropout in Adolescents 397 therapeutic alliance observed in adult populations. Some researchers believe that the goal-setting component of the tripartite model may not be a necessary component of the youth alliance (Bordin 1979;Everall and Paulson 2002;Zack et al 2007).…”

“…The most widely accepted model of the therapeutic alliance is Bordin's tripartite model, which has three components: an affective bond, mutually agreed upon treatment goals, and mutually agreed upon tasks of therapy (Everall and Paulson 2002;Zack et al 2007). The tripartite model was created and tested based on the Examining Outpatient Treatment Dropout in Adolescents 397 therapeutic alliance observed in adult populations.…”

The Experience of Forming a Therapeutic Relationship from the Client’s Perspective: A Metasynthesis

“…For example, one adolescent described not being aware that her personal disclosures would be discussed with her parents (Everall & Paulson, 2002). Being very clear on the limits of confidentiality from the beginning is likely to buffer the effects of these perceived 'breaches' and allow the therapeutic relationship to form nonetheless.…”

Validity, utility and acceptability of borderline personality disorder diagnosis in childhood and adolescence: survey of psychiatrists

“…[27][28][29][30][31][32][33] Using non-stigmatising language, facilitating the teenager's sense of being accepted and validated, and the therapist conveying respect were consistent themes that emerged in this literature.…”