The Portuguese version of the System for Observing Family Therapy Alliances (SOFTA; Friedlander, Escudero, & Heatherington, 2006), observational
version (SOFTA‑o),
was developed in order to promote research and a clinical practice better informed about the therapeutic alliance in family therapy. With this coding system of observable behaviors during therapy sessions it is possible to assess the strength of the therapeutic alliance in two dimensions that are common across therapy modalities (Engagement in the Therapeutic Process and Emotional Connection to the Therapist) and two specific dimensions of conjoint therapies (Safety Within the Therapeutic Context and Shared Sense of Purpose within the Family). The psychometric support of the instrument is provided by three reliability studies (interobserver agreement) and three validity studies (convergent, predictive and known‑groups).
The results achieved encourage
the use of the Portuguese version of SOFTA‑o
in research, clinical practice, training and supervision of therapists.
