Therapeutic alliance in osteopathy practice, the unconscious dynamics : an exploratory study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the notion of the therapeutic alliance in osteopathy, from a theoretical and practical point of view. The study was carried out with French patients and practitioners, collecting data through semi-structured interviews conducted by the author. The participants, 5 practitioners and 4 patients, were selected through purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis based on an inductive approach. The results showed that unconscious dynamics can influence the therapeutic alliance in osteopathy. This was visible through notions such as co-construction, intimacy, touch, and the place of care. We would like to propose that this unconscious aspect appear more clearly in future definitions about therapeutic alliance, and, for ethical reasons, we hope it will be given greater consideration in initial and continuing training.