What is the first stage of the Boston Model?

What is the first stage of the Boston Model?

• A. Preaffiliation
• B. Power and Control
• C. Intimacy
• D. Differentiation

Answer: (A)

In the Boston Model, the first stage focuses on creating a solid working alliance and preparing the client for engagement. This preaffiliation phase centers on establishing safety, building trust, and obtaining consent to participate. The social worker explains confidentiality and what to expect, clarifies goals, and assesses the client’s readiness to begin deeper work. This foundational groundwork must come first because it sets the tone for subsequent, more intimate and power-related work. Once a sense of safety and rapport is in place, the process moves into the next stages that address power and control dynamics, emotional intimacy, and individual differentiation within the relationship.

In the Boston Model, the first stage focuses on creating a solid working alliance and preparing the client for engagement. This preaffiliation phase centers on establishing safety, building trust, and obtaining consent to participate. The social worker explains confidentiality and what to expect, clarifies goals, and assesses the client’s readiness to begin deeper work. This foundational groundwork must come first because it sets the tone for subsequent, more intimate and power-related work. Once a sense of safety and rapport is in place, the process moves into the next stages that address power and control dynamics, emotional intimacy, and individual differentiation within the relationship.