Negotiating the Therapeutic Alliance A Relational Treatment Guide [Hardcover]

A half-century of psychotherapy research has shown that the quality of the therapeutic alliance is the most robust predictor of treatment success. This practical, theoretically sophisticated book provides a systematic framework for negotiating ruptures in the alliance and transforming them into therapeutic breakthroughs. The book is grounded in recent developments in relational psychoanalysis, as well as findings from the authors' highly regarded research program. Chapters spell out clear principles of intervention illustrated with extensive clinical vignettes and transcript material. Particular attention is given to the therapist's inner processes and the role they play in resolving alliance ruptures. Other topics covered include the use of therapist self-disclosure and metacommunication; interactional patterns of successful therapist-patient dyads; applications to short-term treatment; and guidelines for training and supervision.

While clinical research has demonstrated the efficacy of a variety of psychotherapeutic procedures, what is often overlooked is the critical role played by the 'common factors' of psychotherapy. This important book details procedures for optimizing the therapeutic alliance and maximizing treatment effectiveness. It should be read by all clinicians. --David H. Barlow, PhD, Professor and Director Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University

This is a splendid book, expertly written by two exceptionally creative psychotherapy theorists and researchers. Its strength lies in drawing out the implications for practice of the relational perspective, and doing so in both a scholarly and practical way. It is broad and integrative, bringing together psychoanalytic and experiential perspectives as well as Western and Eastern outlooks. The clinical vignettes are excellent, as is the coverage of procedures for teaching and training. All therapists will benefit enormously from learning about this exciting and l“.