2 ECVET/ECTS / EQF Level 7 / 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year of study – IDAP
Module Description:
This module explores the dynamics of the psychotherapeutic relationship, with a special emphasis on the development of the working alliance and addressing alliance ruptures in therapy with children and adolescents. The focus is on recognising factors that facilitate or hinder the establishment and maintenance of therapeutic connection, as well as strategies for overcoming challenges in the therapist–client relationship.
The module includes:
- Psychotherapeutic Relationship – key characteristics of the therapist–client relationship in work with children and adolescents.
- Working Alliance – safety, trust, and collaboration as the foundations of the therapeutic process.
- Alliance Ruptures – recognition, analysis, and interventions in cases of disrupted therapeutic connection.
- Transference and Countertransference – understanding unconscious dynamics in the therapist–client relationship.
- Resistance and Therapeutic Stagnation – strategies for recognising and overcoming challenges in the therapeutic process.
- Resistance and Stalemates in Therapy – strategies for recognising and overcoming challenges in the therapeutic process.
Learning Outcomes:
Competencies
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
a) Understand the importance of the working alliance and its components in therapy with children and adolescents.
b) Recognise and analyse factors that contribute to or disrupt the therapeutic relationship.
c) Apply techniques to repair and enhance the alliance in cases of disrupted connection.
Knowledge
By the end of the module, students will have acquired:
a) A deep understanding of the structure and dynamics of the therapeutic relationship.
b) Knowledge of the concepts of transference and countertransference in work with children and adolescents.
c) Understanding of developmental, contextual, and relational factors that affect the quality of the working alliance.
Skills
By the end of the module, students will develop:
a) The ability to recognise early signs of alliance rupture and resistance in therapy.
b) The skill to use interventions to restore and strengthen the working alliance.
c) Competence to adapt the therapeutic approach according to the individual needs and developmental stage of the client.
Assessment of Knowledge and Competencies:
The module is assessed through:
– Case analysis focusing on the working alliance and its disruptions
– Practical exercises for strengthening the therapeutic relationship
– Group discussion and reflective essay
Total Learning Hours:
| Total learning hours: 60 hours | Knowledge assessment (exams and presentations): 5 hours |
| Contact hours: 40 hours | Independent study: 15 hours |