The therapeutic alliance in offending behavior change programs: therapist perspectives and practises
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-08-2016-0245 |
| Published date | 10 July 2017 |
| Date | 10 July 2017 |
| Pages | 210-219 |
| Author | Christina Julie Kozar,Andrew Day |
The therapeutic alliance in offending
behavior change programs: therapist
perspectives and practises
Christina Julie Kozar and Andrew Day
Abstract
Purpose –Offending behavior cha nge programs play an impo rtant role in the preventi on of criminal
behavior, particularly when offered to violent offenders. There is, however, little consensus about how
content should be delivered, despite agreement that the development of a strong therapeutic alliance (TA)
is an important determin ant of outcome. The purpose of this pa per is to explore how the TA is formed wit hin
correctional programs.
Design/methodology/approach –In total, 27 therapists who delivered correctional group treatment
explored issues relating to the role of the alliance in offending behavior programs. A grounded theory
methodology was employed to develop a conceptual understanding of therapist perspectives and practises.
Findings –Three different modes of practice were identified: “educative”to enforce boundaries of group
behavior; “engagement”to promote a collaborative approach; and “therapeutic”to enhance client insight.
Practical implications –Greater awareness of the skills and supports required to successfully develop
strong TAs in correctional populations may assist better retention and treatment outcomes in offending
behavior programs. The ability to work flexibly between different modes of practise may prove important to
rehabilitation efforts.
Originality/value –A model of the TA based on therapists’accounts of their practise in correctional
programs is presented. It is anticipated that, particularly for novice correctional therapists, exploration of the
ways in which the alliance can be established and ruptures responded to will enhance treatment efficacy,
particularly in treating violent offenders who can be challenging to engage.
Keywords Rehabilitation, Treatment, Therapeutic alliance, Group programs, Ruptures, Violent offenders
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
The delivery of offending behavior programs has become an important means by correctional
agencies to rehabilitate offenders. While numerous studies demonstrate that the successful
completion of an offending behavior program is associated with a reduction in re-offending
(e.g. Lipsey et al., 2007), there remains much room for improvement, particularly in programs
offered to serious violent offenders. Attrition is a common problem and higher recidivism rates
are observed for those who do not complete treatment (Olver et al., 2011). Consideration of the
types of treatment approaches that red uce program attrition and increas e treatment
engagement may be an important step to making improvements in this area.
There is a lack of consensus on the manner in which a therapist should seek to develop and
maintain a therapeutic relationshipwhen delivering program material. While some have suggested
that it is important todevelop a strong bond (e.g. Livesley, 2007; Taft and Murphy, 2007), others
have argued that therapists should remain emotionally detached (Wong and Hare, 2005),
and methods that aremore relationship focused are not alwaysrecommended (see Milkman and
Wanberg, 2007). There are, in short, differing views on the interpersonal approachthat therapists
should adopt in their workwith offenders, particularly those who have committed violent offenses
(see also Kear-Colwell and Boer, 2000; Langton, 2007; Livesley, 2007).
Received 30 August 2016
Revised 1 December 2016
16 January 2017
Accepted 17 January 2017
Christina Julie Kozar is a
Consultant Forensic
Psychologist based in
Melbourne, Australia.
Andrew Day is a Professor of
Psychology at the Department
of Psychology, Deakin
University, Burwood, Australia
and James Cook University,
Townsville, Australia.
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JOURNAL OF AGGRESSION, CONFLICTAND PEACE RESEARCH
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VOL. 9 NO. 3 2017, pp.210-219, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1759-6599 DOI 10.1108/JACPR-08-2016-0245
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