Working Alliance and Therapeutic Change in Integrated Psychotherapy: A Longitudinal Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• The Focus-Based Integrated Model (FBIM) integrates psychotherapy with other supports, prioritizing a strong Working Alliance (WA).
• Evaluating therapeutic progress requires longitudinal assessment across multiple time points.
• Understanding factors influencing the therapeutic alliance is crucial for treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the therapeutic progress of clients treated with the Focus-Based Integrated Model (FBIM).
• To assess changes in symptom severity and Working Alliance (WA) over time.
• To examine the impact of therapeutic components, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), on progress.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study involving 154 participants at a community-based psychotherapy centre in Italy.
• Data collected at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), 12 months (T2), and 3 months post-therapy (T3).
• Assessed symptom severity, Working Alliance (WA), client motivation, and sociodemographic/clinical data.

Main Results:

• Significant decline in symptom severity from baseline to 12 months (T0 to T2).
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) components showed stronger Task subscale scores at 12 months (T2).
• Initial resistance to change affected the WA at 3 months (T1) but decreased by 12 months (T2).

Conclusions:

• The Focus-Based Integrated Model (FBIM) demonstrates effectiveness in reducing symptom severity.
• Structured therapeutic approaches like CBT facilitate early collaboration and enhance the working alliance.
• The evolving Working Alliance reflects the therapist's adaptability to client needs and therapeutic dynamics.