The early formation of the working alliance from the client's perspective: A qualitative study

This research used qualitative methods and archival data to examine clients' perceptions of the early formation of the working alliance. Following their first and second sessions of individual psychotherapy, 54 clients responded to structured written assignments that were rooted in Bordin's (1979) model of the alliance. Analysis yielded 884 recording units, which were organized into 4 main clusters: (a) clients' initial misgivings about psychotherapy; (b) organization and meaning-making; (c) psychotherapist supportive activities; and (d) client appreciation of techniques. Clients' perceived contributions to alliance development and their experiences of the initial interactions with their psychotherapists are explored in the context of existing theory and research.