The Therapeutic Alliance

Muran and Barber have assembled a truly all-star cast to address one of the most significant elements in the entire realm of psychotherapy. Representing all of the major theoretical orientations in our field, and demonstrating both clinical sophistication and keen attention to systematic research, these authors show that taking research evidence seriously implies a far broader range of topics and methodologies than are embodied in the restrictive emphasis on testing 'brand-name' packages of manualized treatments or in the rhetoric of 'empirically supported treatments.'--Paul L. Wachtel, PhD, CUNY Distinguished Professor, Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, City College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York

This book provides an invaluable and comprehensive review of the state of the evidence on what is arguably the most important common factor to therapy outcome--the therapeutic alliance. Each chapter is written by the leading experts in the field. In addition to excellent chapters on measurement, prediction, change over time, negative experiences, and repair of alliance ruptures, the volume includes important chapters from psychodynamic, interpersonal, cognitive and behavioral, and other perspectives. If you were to buy only one book on psychotherapy this year, you would be hard-pressed to find a better alternative!--Michael E. Thase, MD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania

This is a great book, edited by highly esteemed experts and featuring contributions by the best conceivable authors for this topic. The most current empirical evidence on the therapeutic alliance is reviewed, but the book's greatest value for psychotherapy practitioners, trainers, and trainees of any orientation resides in its recommendations for practice. I highly recommend this volume for anyone who wishes to learn how to establish and improve a therapeutic alliance.--Franz Caspar, PhD, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Switzerland

Drawing together leading contributors to psychotherapy research, training, and practice, Muran and Barber provide an unparalleled opportunity to develop a critically balanced, research-informed understanding of key factors that contribute to productive therapeutic alliances in differing therapy approaches. I have no doubt that this book will become an 'instant classic' in the field of psychotherapy, one that will continue to shape alliance research and practice in the years to come.--Lynne E. Angus, PhD, CPsych, Adult Clinical Psychology Graduate Program, York University, Canada

- Present[s] a wealth of evidence-based, thought-provoking material for all therapists who value, and want to deepen, their client relationships. --Healthcare, Counselling, and Psychotherapy Journal, 8/13/2010ƒƒ Edited and authored by leading psychotherapy researchers, this book exceeds its aims, and offers readers a comprehensive review of what is known about this important clinical concept....A multitude of both qualitative and quantitative studies are deftly presented here. This is an authoritative review of a specialist area, and should be a reference text for psychotherapists of all backgrounds. It will also be of interest to any psychiatrist who wants to appraise their own alliance-forming skills. --British Journal of Psychiatry, 11/3/2011ƒƒ“Most notable and useful for clinical social workers is the qualitative research presented on negative experiences in psychotherapy, as well as alliance ruptures and resolution. This research provides important data that can guide therapists in working effectively with clients around negative events that occur in the therapeutic relationship….The appeal of this book is that it brings together much of the research, theory and practice considerations relating to the therapeutic alliance in a way that is highly readable and accessible to clinical social workers and other mental health practitioners. Though other books have been published on this subject…this book is set apart by its critical review and application of research on the therapeutic relationship up to this point. Muran and Barber achieve their goal of translating ‘the latest scientific knowledge into practical guidelines that clinicians of any orientation can use to optimize the alliance.’”--Clinical Social Work Journal, 1/16/2014