Therapeutic alliance in vocational rehabilitation counseling: Assessing client factors and functioning

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Torres, Ayse^{a; *} | Diaz, Patricia^a | Freund, Robert^b | Baker, Tracy N.^a | Baker, Andrew Z.^a | Peluso, Paul^a

Affiliations: [a] Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA | [b] Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Ayse Torres, Department of Counselor Education, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: BACKGROUND:The therapeutic relationship is often acknowledged as one of the most significant factors in clinical process that influences client outcomes. OBJECTIVE:While considerable research has been conducted on the therapeutic relationship in psychotherapy, there is a paucity of research on the impact of the therapeutic relationship in vocational rehabilitation counseling settings. METHODS:This study explored the relationship between areas of client functioning (individual, interpersonal, social, and overall) and the therapeutic alliance among clients who receive services from the State vocational rehabilitation agency. RESULTS:In this study, younger clients (ages between 16 to 29) reported stronger therapeutic alliance. CONCLUSION:The findings of this study suggested that clients’ perceived individual, interpersonal and overall functioning have a significant positive relationship with the task and bond components of therapeutic relationship.

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation counseling, therapeutic relationship, working alliance

DOI: 10.3233/JVR-211165

Journal: Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, vol. 55, no. 3, pp. 313-322, 2021