title: How experienced therapists introduce the technical aspects in the initial alliance formation: powerful decision makers supporting clients' agency.
abstract: The initial work on the technical aspects of the working alliance was explored in a naturalistic study of the practices of nine experienced teacher therapists. Using the qualitative method of Grounded theory, eight therapist action descriptions were identified, forming two categories: (1) Supporting the client's agency: (a) exploring the clients' solution strategies, (c) underlining the clients' choice/authority, (d) sharing the basis for the decision, (e) demonstrating collaboration linguistically by hedging; (2) Expressing agency: (a) immediate implementation of method, (b) educating, (c) challenging, (d) constituting oneself as an expert. Implications for the view of therapist power, negotiation, consensus and collaboration are discussed.
authors: University of Oslo, Department of Psychology, Postboks 1094, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway. hanne.oddli@psykologi.uio.no
authors: Hanne Weie
authors: HW
authors: Oddli
authors: Michael Helge
authors: MH
authors: Rønnestad
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D017008:Negotiating; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult