A scoping review of the working alliance in acquired brain injury rehabilitation.

The working alliance emerged as a complex process that interacts with many factors and processes at play in the rehabilitation environment. Notwithstanding the limitations of the research base, findings indicate that enhancement of the working alliance may indeed influence rehabilitation outcomes. Allowing time for the development of the working alliance, and consideration of factors such as therapist skill, may support therapists to strengthen their alliances in ABI rehabilitation. Implications for Rehabilitation Allowing time for the development of the working alliance has the potential to enhance the alliance and thereby influence rehabilitation outcomes. Factors such as the client's age and level of education may influence the strength of the working alliance, and hence, awareness of these factors may assist clinicians in maintaining strong alliances with all clients. A strong working alliance is possible in the presence of client cognitive impairment, however, the skill of the therapist may be important in managing the potential impact of cognitive impairment on the working alliance.