The possibility for a positive treatment result increases when clients decide to stay in their treatment programs. For this to happen the client needs to feel respected and treated with dignity. When the therapist and client are able to build a constructive relationship, a therapeutic alliance will almost certainly follow. This takes work. The purpose of this study was to, thorough the eyes of four therapists, examine to what extent the chosen therapeutic method and/or the personality traits of the therapist creates prerequisites for therapeutic success. Are there shared similarities between different methods of therapy, so called ”Common Factors”, that distinguish themselves as central for creating change?Through qualitative interviews with the therapists working with CBT or Solutionwork and Family systems therapy I found many similarities and some differences. By studying modern research on “Common Factors” and comparing it to the interviews I’ve found several interesting results. Traits like empathy and sensitivity are cornerstones in building the coveted alliance. Change is reached through curiosity, exceptions in behavior and thought but maybe most of all compliments and confirmation. Although it is difficult to define which common factors are of greatest importance this study gives some insight to how therapists with different backgrounds, experience and schooling think about their work and what similarities and differences can be identified in their stories.

This diploma thesis deals with the role of exusers (former habit-forming substances abusers) in the treatment of addicted clients and in the management processes utilised within the communities of the Betel organisation. Extensive attention is paid to the description of the methods of work in the Betel organisation, which uses in the majority, the self- help therapeutic potential of the exusers in its long-term residential programme. Throughout this thesis, the alternative approach in treatment used in Betel is compared to the more frequently used concept of professionally managed therapeutic communities. The theoretical part of this thesis is divided into five main chapters. The first chapter deals with the description of the workings of professionally managed therapeutic communities, their place in the system of help to the addicted in the Czech Republic, and their effectiveness in the treatment. The second chapter describes in detail the methods and specifics of the help that is used in Betel and especially points out the role of exusers in this concept. The third chapter focuses on the history of community lifestyle with an emphasis on the self-help therapeutic impact. In the forth chapter there is a description of the specifics of the management processes utilised in both the therapeutic and...