The most important element in the ESFT model is therapeutic alliance-building or “joining.” Without a strong therapeutic relationship, there is no meaningful treatment. In this workshop, focus is given to the discussion and demonstration of joining strategies with caregivers and children. These strategies are demonstrated using videotaped case clips. Several scaling devices are described for use by the clinician to assess the strength of the therapeutic alliance with caregivers and youth.

Educational Objectives:

1) describe the characteristicsof an ESFT therapeutic alliance;

2) recognize five joining strategies for strength-ening the therapeutic alliance with parents and children;

3) identify how to use therapeutic alliance scales to assess the strength of a clinician’s engagement skills.