(250) Whether or Not to Collaborate in the Triadic Model: Self-Reported Factors Influencing Clinician Likelihood of Recommending Surrogate Partner Therapy to a Client

Introduction Surrogate partner therapy (SPT) is a type of somatic therapy in which a client, clinician, and surrogate partner work as a team in a collaborative modality called the Triadic Model. Surrogate partners are professionals who help clients overcome challenges to intimacy through experiential relational skill-building and contextualized touch. In addition to their one-on-one work with the client, clinicians also work individually with the client, and both professionals routinely collaborate to discuss the client’s healing process. Surrogate partners have voiced that this triadic modality has contributed to the success of their dynamic work with their clients (Bechtold, 2020). According to previous research, many clinicians have expressed positive attitudes about SPT (Piazza, 2025), while others have expressed hesitation due to their own knowledge deficits around the model, perceived lack of legality, and stigma (Denton, 2018; AASECT, 2014). Objective The current study investigates how likely clinicians would be to recommend SPT to a client, with the intention to work in the Triadic Model. Further, this study identifies self-reported factors that would make clinicians more likely to recommend SPT to a client. Methods From 2024-2025, an international online questionnaire surveyed clinicians regarding their positions on SPT. Definitions of “surrogate partner” and “the Triadic Model” were provided. Using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “Extremely unlikely” to “Extremely likely,” respondents were asked to rate how likely they would be to refer a client to work with a surrogate partner through the Triadic Model for treatment. Respondents who selected anything less than “Extremely likely” were subsequently asked what would make them more likely to refer a client. Qualitative responses to this open-ended question were thematically coded. Results Regarding how likely they would be to refer a client to work with a surrogate partner through the Triadic Model, 34% of respondents reported that they would be “Extremely likely,” 29% selected “Somewhat likely,” 17% selected “Neither likely nor unlikely,” 10% selected “Somewhat unlikely,” and 11% selected “Extremely unlikely.” In their qualitative responses (n=111), clinicians reported that they would be more likely to refer a client to SPT if it was the right fit for the client (22%), if they felt they could trust the surrogate partner (21%), if there was clearer legal backing (14%), if they personally had greater professional knowledge (14%), if SPT was more accessible (9%), if there was evidence of SPT’s impacts (6%), or if there was support from institutions (6%). Only 4% of respondents reported that there was nothing that would make them more likely to recommend SPT. Conclusions In conclusion, most respondents indicated they were at least somewhat likely to recommend SPT to a client. Considering the influencing factors of trust toward the surrogate partner and clinicians’ own professional understanding, networking events between clinicians and surrogate partners may help to build trust and knowledge. Organized efforts to provide training for clinicians and financial assistance for clients may also help address other influencing factors. Further research can provide data on the impacts of SPT, which could potentially also lead to greater institutional support of the Triadic Model. Disclosure No