| The therapeutic alliance, as measured by self-report and behavioral observation, is examined in couples' therapy. 20 couples' sessions were rated using the System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances (Friedlander et al., 2006b) in the second and fifth sessions. The various dimensions of SOFTA are examined as they relate to outcome. Results of the initial multiple regression analysis with all client and therapist SOFTA ratings accounted for over half of the variance in change in RDAS score for individual participants, but the regression was not significantly different than zero. The variables of Engagement in the therapeutic process and Shared sense of purpose were found to play a strong role within the development of alliance and the prediction of change in therapy. |
