THE COLLABORATIVE INTERACTION SCALE REVISED FOR COUPLE THERAPIES: FROM THE FOCUS ON THE RUPTURES TO THE POSSIBILITY TO STUDY THE REPARATIONS STRATEGIES

The research in the field of individual psychotherapy and, to a lesser extent, in the field of Family and Couple Therapy (CFT), identifies the Therapeutic Alliance (TA) as one of the most important factors in the patient-therapist relationship when it comes to the outcome (Escudero, 2015; Bartle - Haring, et al., 2012; Smerud & Rosenfarb, 2011; Friedlander, et al., 2011; Muñiz de la Peña, et al., 2009; Knobloch – Fedders, et al., 2007). CFT ‘s studies still give little space to the comprehension of how this factor and the therapeutic process are co-constructed in a session through special interactive dynamics of ruptures and reparations (Friedlaner, et al., 2006; Muntigl & Horvath, 2016; Swank & Wittenborn, 2013; Escudero, et al., 2012). The aim of this study is to explore the ruptures and reparations that occur in the first and last session (N:68) of three different Couple Therapy (CT), differentiated from the status termination (Agreement, Disagreement and No Show. N: 34). The instrument is the Collaborative Interaction Scale-revised (Colli & Lingiardi, 2014) combined with a custom-built scale, in order to detect the specific interactive dynamics of the systemic levels (Therapist-Couple; Partner-Partner). The results show a significant difference from the first to the last session, for both ruptures and reparations in the patient-therapist relationship and between partners. Lastly, we will discuss the clinical relapses in order to improve the treatment, with the aim to increase the patient's engagement, the success of the treatment, and the partners' wellness.