Laura A Faith1,2, J Hunter Howie2, Emily Blanco2, Stephen P Jarvis3,4, Melisa V Rempfer2. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. 2. Department of Psychology, The University of Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. 3. University Health Behavioral Health, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. 4. University of Missouri School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic alliance is an important element of evidence-based treatments for people diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Cognitive enhancement therapy (CET) is an efficacious cognitive rehabilitation programme that emphasizes coach-participant relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine experiences of therapeutic alliance among CET participants. DESIGN: We used an exploratory qualitative approach. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Interview transcripts were analysed by three independent coders using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes related to therapeutic alliance emerged: (1) positive regard; (2) collaboration; (3) authenticity; (4) negative alliance. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that therapeutic alliance is an important component of CET that bolsters the learning environment and ensures a positive group experience. Our qualitative analyses contribute greater understanding of how strong therapeutic relationships impact people with serious mental illnesses participating in evidence-based treatments beyond psychotherapy context.
OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic alliance is an important element of evidence-based treatments for people diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Cognitive enhancement therapy (CET) is an efficacious cognitive rehabilitation programme that emphasizes coach-participant relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine experiences of therapeutic alliance among CET participants. DESIGN: We used an exploratory qualitative approach. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Interview transcripts were analysed by three independent coders using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes related to therapeutic alliance emerged: (1) positive regard; (2) collaboration; (3) authenticity; (4) negative alliance. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that therapeutic alliance is an important component of CET that bolsters the learning environment and ensures a positive group experience. Our qualitative analyses contribute greater understanding of how strong therapeutic relationships impact people with serious mental illnesses participating in evidence-based treatments beyond psychotherapy context.