Nourishing the Whole Person: A Systematic Review of the Effect of the Therapeutic Alliance on Therapeutic Outcomes for Patients with Anorexia Nervosa

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effect of the therapeutic alliance on treatment participation and treatment outcomes for adolescents and adults with anorexia. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Results indicated that a positive therapeutic alliance is perceived by patients to be an important component of treatment in itself and a positive motivational force. The therapeutic alliance between the clinician and the family of a patient may also be predictive of patient outcomes. Occupational therapists are well-positioned to form strong therapeutic alliances in occupation-based interventions with this treatment-resistant population