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Greenson (1967) extended the ego psychological view that emphasized the real
aspects of the relationship as opposed to the transference manifestations of the patient's
reactions to the therapist. Greenson (1971) developed the notion of the working or
therapeutic alliance. His model consisted of three components: transference, the working
alliance, and the real relationship. Greenson conceptualized the "working alliance" as the
ability of the patient and therapist to work together in treatment over the course of
therapy, with the understanding that the relationship transforms through several stages
with the active participation of the patient and therapist.
The writings of Gill (1979, 1982) have advanced the conceptualization of the
therapeutic relationship, noting that just as a client's unconscious and conscious
responses affect the ongoing process, so do those of the therapist. Unlike the views held
by classical analysts, Gill argued that there are two subjectivities in the consulting room
and that both influence one another's perception of the relationship.
Although traditional conceptualizations of the alliance placed emphasis on the
importance of a strong therapeutic relationship in psychotherapy, they did not view the
alliance as a sufficient mechanism of change. The emphasis was placed on specific
interventions that were necessary in order for change to develop. Following the more
traditional conceptualizations of the alliance, theorists refined the concept of the
therapeutic relationship and offered a new way of thinking about the mechanism of
change.
Luborsky (1976) advanced the concept of the alliance, suggesting it is a dynamic
rather than a static entity, and is malleable and responsive to the changes of therapy.
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