[Explaining Transtheoretical Therapist Training using Alliance-Focused Training as an Example].

Abstract

Although most psychotherapists adopt an integrative and process-oriented approach, transtheoretical approaches to psychotherapy training are rare. To better prepare future therapists for the complexities of clinical practice, such an approach is needed. A promising way forward is to consider principles of change that cut across different schools of therapy. The principle of the therapeutic alliance is where different therapy schools agree most. Therefore, an alliance-focused training is presented below, where therapists learn to recognize ruptures in the therapeutic alliance and respond to them with resolution strategies. Current teaching methods like role-playing and supervision have their limitations, as they can only be applied post hoc and to a small number of cases. A new approach could be an online training that integrates principles of change, such as the alliance and markers for interventions, utilizes proven methods of deliberate practice and expert training, and makes use of the potential of technology.