Adolescent readiness for change and the working alliance in counseling

Abstract

The authors examined the relationship between readiness for change and the quality of the working alliance of adolescents (ages 14-18 years) and their counselors. As predicted, clients who were more ready for change had more positive alliances, particularly with respect to goal and task collaboration. There was also a trend toward the association of the maintenance or postchange stage with a weakened bond. © 2008 by the American Counseling Association. All rights reserved.