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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2020 Dec 16.
Published in final edited form as: Couns Psychol. 2019 Dec 16;47(5):796–819. doi: 10.1177/0011000019891434

Table 1.

Examples of SOMA Indicators and Illustrative Quotes by Alliance Dimension

Dimension Sample Behavioral Indicators Hypothetical Quotes

ENGAGEMENT
 Patient Patient asks the provider to explain the treatment recommendations “So you think more exercise will help? So how often should I be exercising?”
 Provider Provider encourages the patient to take an active role in the consultation “I’m really curious to hear your thoughts about what would be most helpful for you right now.”
TRUST
 Patient Patient expresses confidence in the provider’s knowledge/expertise or ability to help “You’ve always helped me in the past, and you’re the one with the medical degree and experience, so I’ll do whatever you think I should try next.”
 Provider Provider offers reassurance or normalizes the patient’s reactions or emotions “It is really hard to live with constant pain, and I’m aware that many people with your condition often feel frustrated or even hopeless at times.”
CONCORDANCE Provider and patient agree on the etiology of the patient’s health/medical concerns Patient: “I think I’m short of breath because I’ve been smoking for so long.” Provider: “Yeah, I think you are probably right about that.”