The impact of alliance-focused and facilitative interpersonal relationship training on therapist skills: An RCT of brief training. (2nd October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Perlman, Matthew R.; Anderson, Timothy; Foley, Victoria K.; Mimnaugh, Scott; Safran, Jeremy D.
• Is Part Of: Psychotherapy research. Volume 30:Number 7(2020)
• Page Start: 871
• Page End: 884
• Publication Date: 2020-10-02
• Subjects: Alliance-focused training -- deliberate practice -- facilitative interpersonal skills; 同盟焦點訓練 -- 有意識的練習 -- 催化性人際互動技巧; Treino focado na aliança -- prática direcionada -- competências interpessoais facilitadoras.; training focalizzato sull'alleanza -- pratica ponderata -- abilità interpersonali facilitanti; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Research -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; Psychothérapie -- Périodiques; Psychothérapie -- Recherche -- Périodiques; 616.891405
• DOI: 10.1080/10503307.2020.1722862
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-3307

Abstract

Abstract: Research on standard methods of therapist training has found mixed evidence to as to whether standard training methods are effective. This study investigated the impact of a novel, research-informed training protocol that integrated elements of alliance-focused training (AFT) and facilitative interpersonal skills (FIS). Beyond traditional training techniques of didactics and lecture, the AFT/FIS intervention incorporated empirically supported video simulations of therapy, which were reinforced by role plays and deliberate practice on key therapeutic interpersonal skills. Fifty-eight graduate-level therapy trainees and professional therapists from various helping fields were randomized to one of two brief trainings in a multi-site RCT: (i) the AFT/FIS workshop or (ii) a more traditional demonstration training (DT) workshop. Participants were assessed on critical, relational therapeutic skills before and after the training. After controlling for relevant covariates, participants in the AFT/FIS training saw a marginally higher post-intervention level of overall therapeutic skills. Subsequent exploratory analyses revealed AFT/FIS participants also had significantly higher levels of specifically targeted post-training therapist skills (i.e., empathy, alliance bond capacity, and alliance rupture-repair responsiveness) compared to participants in DT. Implications for future empirical investigations and training initiatives are discussed.