ABSTRACT
Bordin developed a formulation of the dimensions of the working alliance in psychotherapy, which he identified as comprising three main components: tasks, goals and bonds. Agreement on tasks also provides a degree of emotional containment as a total lack of structure can be unsettling. Agreement on tasks can provide a sense of the boundaries of the therapy on an emotional level. Attending to the tasks of therapy also means explaining to the client how therapy works, and specifically, the therapist explaining to the client how they work and how they intend to approach the client's problems and promote change. In many respects, transactional analysts are incredibly thorough in seeking agreement regarding the goals aspect of the working alliance with their attention to contracting, and getting a clear agreement on the focus of work. From the client's perspective, bonds require an adult evaluation of therapist's degree of perceived potency, credibility and a sense of confidence that the therapist can help them.
