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The Facilitation and Maintenance of the Therapeutic Alliance in Family Therapy

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Abstract

The formation and maintenance of the therapeutic alliance in family therapy involves complexities pertaining to the stabilizing tendency of family systems, and the necessity for negotiation of the goals and tasks of therapy with and among multiple individuals (i.e., the family members) in a context of systemic reciprocity and mutual influence. This article explores the complexities associated with the establishment and maintenance of the therapeutic alliance in family therapy. Alliance stances are presented as clinical applications designed to assist therapists in working with split alliances, establishing within family collaboration, and in negotiating homeostatic processes.

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Correspondence to Aaron Kindsvatter.

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Kindsvatter, A., Lara, T.M. The Facilitation and Maintenance of the Therapeutic Alliance in Family Therapy. J Contemp Psychother 42, 235–242 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-012-9212-x

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