When the family is opposed to coming to therapy: A study on outcomes and therapeutic alliance with involuntary and voluntary clients

Luciana Sotero, Mariana Moura-Ramos, Valentín Escudero, Ana Paula Relvas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of alliance dimensions and involuntary versus voluntary referral status on the therapy outcomes in family therapy. The first and fourth sessions of 29 therapeutic processes with involuntary and voluntary families seen in family brief therapy were rated with the System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances (Friedlander, Escudero, & Heatherington, 2006). This instrument evaluates four dimensions of the therapeutic alliance (Engagement in the Therapeutic Process, Emotional Connection with the Therapist, Safety within the Therapeutic System, and Shared Sense of Purpose within the Family). The outcomes were measured with the Goal Attainment Scaling (Kiresuk, Smith, & Cardillo, 1994). The obtained results highlight two main conclusions: (a) There were no differences in the outcomes between involuntary and voluntary families and (b) in the fourth session only, there was a significant effect of "Safety within the therapeutic system" and "Shared purpose within the family" on the outcomes, namely, those alliance dimensions that are unique for conjoint therapy. Important clinical implications are discussed concerning the therapeutic work with involuntary families.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)47-61
Number of pages15
JournalCouple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2018
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 American Psychological Association.

Keywords

  • Family therapy
  • Involuntary clients
  • Outcomes
  • System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances
  • Therapeutic alliance

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'When the family is opposed to coming to therapy: A study on outcomes and therapeutic alliance with involuntary and voluntary clients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this