Clinician-client perceptions of the therapeutic alliance and perceived outcomes in stuttering treatment

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the therapeutic alliances (TA) of graduate student clinicians and adult clients who stutter relative to perceived treatment outcomes. Methods: Student clinicians (N = 37), adult clients who stutter (N = 21), and clinician-client dyads extracted from the greater sample (N = 10 pairs) completed a survey assessing their TA strength and perception of treatment outcomes. Clinician and client responses were analyzed to determine similarities, differences, and predictors of TA strength. Results: Results suggest that clinicians and clients who stutter both relate the TA to treatment outcome, but in different ways. While clinicians closely associate the TA with treatment effectiveness and client progress, clients relate the TA most to outcome satisfaction. There seems to be no predictor to determine how a client or student clinician perceives the TA. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware that for adult clients who stutter, outcome satisfaction is strongly related to the degree of shared understanding, agreement on daily tasks, and bond they experience with their clinician. To ensure a strong TA and client satisfaction, clinicians should actively seek their clients perspective regarding TA status.