The aim of this study was to identify how the therapeutic alliance (TA) is established in patients referred for mandatory psychotherapy compared to patients who seek psychotherapy voluntarily. It was also verified o the characteristics of object representations, defense mechanisms; perception of coercion and severity of symptoms. Participants were 51 subjects, divided into a psychotherapy mandatory group (N = 15), which was compared with a group of patients in voluntary treatment (N = 36). Both groups were selected from a public health institution that provides psychotherapy for municipal employees, both voluntary and mandatory. The results showed that although mandatory patients showed more symptoms, it was possible to establish the TA. Moreover, the mandatory status did not influence the establishment of TA, but the perception of coercion when seeking treatment.
therapeutic alliance; psychotherapy; psychology
