Therapeutic Alliance and Adherence in Family Therapy

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to test out the alliance and treatment adherence as explanatory factors that contribute to the effectiveness of family therapy. Seven family therapists and four clients participated voluntarily. A system for observing family therapy alliances (SOFTA-o) and self-reports (SOFTA-s) were used to measure therapeutic alliance. Therapeutic adherence was measured using a Family Therapy Adherence Scale and Goal Attainment Scale to measure outcome. Third and fifth therapy sessions were recorded and scales were applied at the end of these sessions. Findings indicated a low relationship between clients’ perception of the therapeutic alliance and therapeutic adherence, a strong relationship between therapeutic alliance, adherence and outcome was found. Clinical, training and research implications are discussed.