Purpose of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The purpose of the SOFTA questionnaire is to identify and assess the therapeutic alliance that develops during a session of family or couple therapy. It is designed to be used by both therapists and clients. The tool aims to recognize and evaluate the significance of verbal and non-verbal phenomena that emerge during a session and which impact the relationship between the therapist and the family, as well as the dynamics among family members.

Description of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The SOFTA was developed by M. L. Friedlander, V. Escudero, L. Heatherington, and their team in 2006. It includes four core dimensions that capture different aspects of the therapeutic alliance:
(A) Engagement in the therapeutic process
(B) Emotional connection with the therapist
(C) Sense of safety and shared purpose with the therapist and family members
(D) Engagement in the process of exploration and analysis
These dimensions are broken down into 12 prototapes, which describe verbal and non-verbal behaviors. The instrument includes different forms for the therapist and each client, depending on their role.

Scoring of the Questions

Each session is evaluated by a group of at least three independent raters who have been trained in the use of the SOFTA system. While watching a recorded session, the raters identify and note the presence of prototapes (e.g., A10) corresponding to the four dimensions. After the session, the evaluators compare their findings, and a final score is assigned for each dimension. Scores range from –3 to +3, based on the frequency, clinical relevance, strength, and intensity of the identified behaviors.

Statistical Analysis

Each of the four dimensions is scored on a scale from –3 to +3. Higher positive scores indicate a strong therapeutic alliance, while negative scores suggest difficulties or disruptions in the relationship. The final interpretation takes into account the average score for each dimension, the frequency of relevant behaviors, and their intensity and clinical importance. This numerical representation allows for thorough statistical analysis and comparison across sessions or client groups.

Validity of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The validity of the SOFTA has been supported by international research, particularly the work of Friedlander, Escudero, and Heatherington (2006), which demonstrated a clear link between the measured dimensions and therapy effectiveness. The instrument has been translated and adapted into Greek and is currently used in Greek academic research to evaluate the therapeutic alliance in family therapy sessions.

Reliability of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The reliability of the SOFTA has been confirmed through inter-rater agreement and consistency of results. The internal consistency of the four dimensions is high, indicating that the instrument reliably captures the therapeutic behaviors it intends to measure. The use of trained raters further ensures accurate and replicable assessments.

Bibliography

Friedlander, M. L., Escudero, V., & Heatherington, L. (2006). Therapeutic alliances in couple and family therapy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Greek translation and adaptation:
K. Boussoulas – e-mail: bussulas@otenet.gr
A. Avgoustaki – e-mail: katerina_avg@hotmail.com
A. Stalikas – Panteion University – e-mail: astalikas@hol.gr