title: Understanding the working alliance with clients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa.
abstract: The therapeutic working alliance is a vital ingredient of psychotherapy, specifically for clients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, as progress is often slow and treatment difficult. This qualitative phenomenological study investigated the experiences of eight clients with anorexia nervosa and seven therapists who work with this population, regarding which therapist factors aided in and challenged the working alliance formation in individual psychotherapy. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Some helpful therapist factors included collaboration, appropriate self-disclosure, providing a warm and safe environment, and willingness to be contacted outside of a session. Unhelpful factors included lack of attunement and objectivity and failure to individualize treatment.
authors: a La Luna Center, LLC, Fort Collins , Colorado , USA.
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Oyer
authors: b Department of Counseling Psychology , University of Northern Colorado , Greeley , Colorado , USA.
authors: Mary Sean
authors: MS
authors: O'Halloran
authors: b Department of Counseling Psychology , University of Northern Colorado , Greeley , Colorado , USA.
authors: Liesel
authors: L
authors: Christoe-Frazier
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000856:Anorexia Nervosa / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011613:Psychotherapy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055815:Young Adult