Youth Expectations about Therapeutic Alliance in a Residential Setting

Abstract

SUMMARY This exploratory study used qualitative methods to better understand how youths in a residential setting perceive their relationships with the counselors. Using focus group methodology, the study focused on how youth describe the relationship, what staff qualities the youth are able to identify as important in engaging and maintaining the relationship, and who they see as primarily responsible. Youth perception of the counselors seems to be dependent on three aspects—feelings about the counselor and qualities and behaviors of the counselor. Adults are viewed as primarily responsible for the relationship and for managing ruptures. Implications for residential practice as well as supervision and hiring are discussed. KEYWORDS: Therapeutic allianceresidentialwilderness campsrelationships The authors thank the Pressley Ridge Foundation for its support of this study and the teacher-counselors and the youth and staff at Ohiopyle.