Hello all! We are in full autumnal swing. I hope you are enjoying the change of colors, activities and foods.

This month we are discussing therapeutic alliance. We’ll be using this definition by Bordin:

The strength of the therapeutic alliance is one of the biggest factors in determining the length, quality, and outcome of treatment. Basically, it’s one of the most important things to pay attention to (and get really good at) in our work. We’ll go over how it’s defined and how to improve it. We’ll be reviewing this article (feel free to read in advance) and finding what’s relevant to our work. (By the way, the article is from this clinical database which has some great information).

I’m curious about your understanding and experience of therapeutic alliance. What words do you use to describe it? How do you gauge it in your work? I’m also curious about how you develop it: what you have noticed works, and has definitely not worked (we’ve all got some of those learning moments!). Broadly speaking, what have you noticed makes your interactions and relationships with the people you serve go well?

See you all soon,

Ariana