Abstract
We show how the working relationship between therapist and client can be realized, maintained, and, if necessary, repaired discursively. Therapists come to each session with intentions rooted in theoretical premises and clinical experiences, but the clinical praxis, the unfolding of therapy itself, involves interactive and sequential responsiveness. Our project involves the use of the conceptual and methodological resources of Conversational Analysis to systematically explicate how different aspects of the relationship between therapist and client and among the clients themselves are managed discursively. As an example of how such approach can serve to better understand the development of the alliance and the achievement of therapeutic change, we provide an analysis of a family therapy consultation by Dr. S. Minuchin and two clients. Methodological and clinical implications of our work are provided.
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- 1.
We use the term “appropriate” as Stiles and Horvath (2017) do, to indicate a process of sensitive engagement.
- 2.
We have previously published an analysis of this session examining different research questions (Muntigl & Horvath, 2016).
- 3.
Pseudonyms are used, and some potentially identifiable material has been altered to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
- 4.
To disambiguate the terminology between therapist-client alliances and the realignment and strengthening of relationships between clients, subsequently we shall use the term “allegiance(s)” to refer to the later and use “alliance” exclusively to refer to the therapist/client relationship and collaboration. For further clarification of this terminology, see Symonds and Horvath (2004).
- 5.
For example, when disagreement, blame, or “acts of defiance” become voiced.
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Horvath, A.O., Muntigl, P. (2018). The Alliance as a Discursive Achievement: A Conversation Analytical Perspective. In: Smoliak, O., Strong, T. (eds) Therapy as Discourse. The Language of Mental Health. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93067-1_4
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