Interpersonal Interventions for Maintaining an Alliance

Ruptures in the therapeutic alliance are common clinical phenomena that can lead to a poor treatment outcome and premature termination if they are not addressed. Therapists often have difficulty recognizing ruptures and responding to them in a flexible, sensitive manner. However, when negotiated successfully, alliance ruptures provide opportunities for powerful therapeutic change. Rupture resolution can occur through the use of strategies that address ruptures directly, or through indirect approaches. Research on rupture resolution shows how important it is for therapists to accept responsibility for their role in producing a rupture and to be willing and able to address relevant issues with their patients on the tasks and goals of treatment.