Cognitive errors, coping patterns, and the therapeutic alliance: A pilot study of in-session process

Abstract

Aim: This exploratory study examined the association between clients’ assessment of the therapeutic alliance and their cognitive errors (CE) and coping action patterns (CAP). Method: Selected therapy sessions of clients (N = 26) were rated for cognitive errors and coping action patterns using the CERS and CAPRS methods (Drapeau, Perry, & Dunkley, 2008; Perry, Drapeau, & Dunkley, 2005). The therapeutic alliance was assessed using the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI; Horvath & Greenberg, 1989). Results: Following Bonferroni corrections, no significant relationship was found between clients’ CEs and their ratings of the WAI. However, the ‘Negotiation’ CAP was associated with the total alliance score, and with the Task and Goal subscales. Implications: A better understanding of the cognitive processes presented by clients in session can enable clinicians to address these factors early on when the alliance is most critical.

Keywords:

• Alliance
• cognitive errors
• coping
• CECAP
• psychotherapy process

Acknowledgements

Results were presented in part at the Canadian Psychological Annual Convention held in Ottawa, June 2007. This project was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Fonds de Recherche en Santé du Québec.