Therapist perspectives on the therapeutic alliance with children and adolescents

Abstract

Bordin's pan-theoretical conceptualisation of the therapeutic alliance identifies three underlying, interdependent components: bond, task and goal. In the research reported here, therapists’ perspectives of significant contributions to the therapeutic alliance with children aged 2–5 years, 6–11 years and adolescents aged 12–17 years were investigated. Sixty three questionnaires regarding alliance conceptualisation, therapist, parent and child contributions, alliance barriers and demographic information were completed. Five therapists were also interviewed about their development and maintenance of the therapeutic alliance with children. Personal conceptualisations provided by participants highlighted the collaborative nature of the therapeutic alliance, with prominent themes emerging of alliance bond, parental alliance, therapist resources and therapist self-awareness and well-being. Therapist empathy and cultivation of trust were valued by therapists as bond contributions. Parental support and commitment to the therapy was rated as the most significant parental contribution. Interview accounts highlighted the importance of therapist understanding, reassurance and support extended to the parents.