"Teaching" the therapeutic alliance: on peeling a banana with a knife and fork. (December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chazan, Lynette
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 22:Number 6(2014:Dec.)
• Page Start: 536
• Page End: 538
• Publication Date: 2014-12
• Subjects: psychotherapy training -- therapeutic alliance -- professional development; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856214555892
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objective: This paper discusses the implications for training of the centrality of the therapeutic alliance to the practice of psychiatry. Conclusion: Recent research highlights the centrality of the therapeutic alliance, not only to positive outcomes across the psychotherapies but in all psychiatric practice. This understanding, along with a cultural shift toward psychological-mindedness, suggests that we teach relational as well as intellectual skills and implement a broader role for psychotherapy training. A subsequent article will address the question of whether and how such skills can be developed.