From relationship to therapeutic alliance with adolescents and young adults at risk of psychotic transition: The perspective of mental health professionals. An exploratory study

Introduction: Psychotic disorders usually begin during adolescence or early adulthood. The first psychotic symptoms are said to be attenuated in their prodromal phase. It is essential to identify them and initiate follow-up as early as possible to limit the severity of symptoms or even prevent a psychotic transition. However, there is still some uncertainty about the progression of symptoms. The aim of this exploratory study was to show the difficulties that surround the construction of a therapeutic alliance in this context.
Methodology: The method adopted was a field survey.
Results: Uncertainty about the development of disorders and their worsening and the fact that they are assessed by evaluating the patient’s functional weaknesses led professionals to develop a relationship based on knowledge that is acquired empirically and that is in line with a phenomenological approach. Thus, professionals mobilized dynamic and interactive communication techniques to try to forge a therapeutic alliance.
Conclusion: It has been shown that professionals seek to build a therapeutic alliance with young people presenting an uncertain evolution toward psychosis using a phenomenological, personalized, and pragmatic logic.