Abstract

Therapeutic alliance is a key predictor of successful couple therapy outcomes. Little research has explored how therapist experience may predict its development. This study was designed to examine whether initial therapeutic alliance scores differ between couple clients of training clinics versus couple clients of community clinics, and whether the rate of change in alliance across sessions varies between these groups. Additionally, I controlled for initial relationship distress. Using dyadic therapy process data for at least one partner of 1,330 couples, a multilevel growth curve model with therapist experience as a moderator was fit to determine the difference in initial therapeutic alliance and change in alliance across multiple sessions between the two groups. Results indicate a significant increase in therapeutic alliance across sessions, with significantly faster alliance growth for clients being seen in training clinics, even when controlling for initial relationship distress. This study expands research on the relationship between therapist experience and change in therapeutic alliance over time to the context of couple therapy and provides potential directions for therapists seeking to build stronger alliances with their couple clients.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; Family Life

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/