Revisiting Bordin's Theory on the Therapeutic Alliance: Implications for Family Therapy
Keywords
therapeutic alliance, family therapy, psychoanalytic theory
Abstract
Because of the belief that relationships are a major contributor to problems as well as the avenue for bringing about change, the alliance between therapists and clients is important in family therapy. Writings and ideas on the therapeutic alliance from psychoanalytic theory were used by Edward Bordin to develop a working theory in 1979, and later adapted to the field of family therapy. However, the adaptation did not account for many variables unique and important to family therapy. This article describes the therapeutic alliance and the necessity of creating a theory of therapeutic alliance that accounts for family therapy concepts. Future ideas for scholarship are presented.
Original Publication Citation
Johnson, L. N., & Wright, D. (2002). Revisiting Bordin's theory on the therapeutic alliance: Implications for family therapy. Contemporary Family Therapy, 24, 257-269.
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Johnson, Lee N. and Wright, David W., "Revisiting Bordin's Theory on the Therapeutic Alliance: Implications for Family Therapy" (2002). Faculty Publications. 2498.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/2498
Document Type
Peer-Reviewed Article
Publication Date
2002-6
Permanent URL
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5339
Publisher
Contemporary Family Therapy
Language
English
College
Family, Home, and Social Sciences
Department
Family Life
Copyright Status
© Human Sciences Press, Inc. 2002