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Updated: May 26, 2026
06:04
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Exploration of session process: relationship to depth and alliance
Vittorio Lingiardi1, Antonello Colli, Daniela Gentile
1Department of Psychodynamic and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. vittorio.lingiardi@uniroma1.it
Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.)
|December 7, 2011
Summary
This study found that a deeper level of patient elaboration in psychotherapy positively correlates with a stronger therapeutic alliance. Therapist interventions focusing on affect and the present relationship enhance both depth and alliance.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychotherapy Research
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Understanding the dynamics of psychotherapy is crucial for effective treatment.
- The therapeutic alliance and the depth of patient elaboration are key components of successful therapy.
- Investigating the interplay between alliance, elaboration, and specific process variables is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between the Depth of elaboration and the therapeutic alliance.
- To explore how therapist interventions, patient contributions, and interaction patterns relate to Depth and alliance.
- To identify specific therapeutic process elements that foster increased Depth of elaboration and a stronger alliance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 60 audio-taped and transcribed psychotherapy sessions.
- Utilized the Psychotherapy Process Q-Set, Working Alliance Inventory-Observer, and Depth Scale of Session Evaluation Questionnaire.
- External judges rated sessions using a battery of standardized instruments.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between Depth of elaboration and therapeutic alliance.
- Depth, therapeutic alliance, and specific therapeutic process variables showed significant positive associations.
- Therapist interventions targeting patient affects, relational patterns, and the 'here and now' were linked to increased Depth and alliance.
Conclusions:
- The Depth of elaboration and therapeutic alliance are positively interconnected in psychotherapy.
- Specific therapist actions, particularly those focusing on emotional experience and the immediate relationship, enhance therapeutic depth and alliance.
- Findings underscore the importance of process-oriented interventions for improving therapeutic outcomes.
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