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Effects of explicit time-limits on the initial therapeutic alliance
D J Kamin1, J P Garske, P K Sawyer
1Ohio University, Athens.
Psychological Reports
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Setting explicit time-limits in individual counseling did not enhance the therapeutic alliance. This study found no significant difference in alliance formation between time-limited and time-unlimited therapy for university students.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
Background:
- The therapeutic alliance is a crucial factor in psychotherapy outcomes.
- The impact of time-limited therapy on alliance formation remains an area of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that explicit time-limits in individual counseling improve the therapeutic alliance.
- To compare alliance formation in time-limited versus time-unlimited therapy conditions.
Main Methods:
- University students were randomly assigned to either a 5-session, time-limited therapy group or a time-unlimited therapy group.
- Therapeutic alliance was assessed using the Vanderbilt Therapeutic Alliance Scale.
- Audiotaped segments from the second and third therapy sessions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were found in therapeutic alliance formation between the time-limited and time-unlimited therapy conditions.
- The findings were contrary to the initial hypothesis.
Conclusions:
- Explicitly setting time-limits for individual counseling does not appear to enhance the formation of the therapeutic alliance.
- Further research may be needed to explore other factors influencing therapeutic alliance in different therapy models.