Beyond Language Deficits: Working Alliance and Resources as Predictors of Recovery From Aphasia

Large-scale clinical trials and meta-analyses have determined neurobiological and linguistic predictors of recovery from aphasia, while more recent work is opening the field to factors of efficacy previously established in psychiatry—and little known in neurology. To map this evolving area of research, the present essay explores key factors of efficacy in psychotherapy as potential predictors of recovery from aphasia. In particular, the essay addresses (1) working alliance, including consensus between patient and therapist on treatment goals and tasks alongside interpersonal bonds, as well as (2) focus on resources rather than deficits in language performance. Finally, the essay outlines why research on impaired communication ability may help advance and complement existing methods in psychotherapy.