A practical clinical suggestion for strengthening the alliance based on a supportive-expressive framework

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Supportive-expressive psychodynamic psychotherapy utilizes the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme (CCRT) for case formulation.
• Existing literature emphasizes interpretive techniques, with less focus on supportive methods within the CCRT framework.

Observation:

• The article addresses the gap in knowledge regarding supportive techniques for alliance-building in CCRT.
• It proposes concrete, actionable supportive techniques derived from CCRT formulations.

Findings:

• Four main steps are presented, illustrated with clinical case examples.
• CCRT formulations can help therapists navigate relational enactments supportively.
• These techniques facilitate a corrective emotional experience, enhancing the patient-therapist bond.

Implications:

• Clinicians can integrate these supportive CCRT techniques into their practice.
• The methods aim to strengthen the therapeutic alliance and improve treatment outcomes.
• Findings are supported by theoretical concepts, empirical data, and clinical cases from a trial.