This study sought to assess the association of client- and therapist-rated real relationship with each other and with the outcome of brief psychotherapy. It also aimed to determine whether changes over time in perceptions of the real relationship and increasing convergence between clients' and therapists' ratings of the real relationship were…

The purpose of this study was to understand how the real relationship (RR) relates to important process and outcome variables from both the clients' and therapists' perspectives. Using a sample of 31 therapist/client dyads at a university counseling center, the authors examined the RR at the 3rd session of therapy and at termination. The results…

A basic paradox is proposed: both freedom and determinism are seen as valid models although they are basically contradictory. Whether or not freedom or determinism is valid depends upon the source of information the person is using at that time. Implications of the paradox for counseling practices are discussed. (Author)

Responds to comments by Greenberg and by Patton (both this issue) addressing ambiguities in Gelso and Carter's article (this issue) on components of psychotherapy relationship. In reply, discusses issue of how general theory ought to be to have maximal impact on research and practice. Questions number of Greenberg's assertions about Gelso and…

Suggests ingredients in the therapy relationship that are common to all interventions. Examines similarities and differences in how the relationship works within the three dominant approaches to therapy to restimulate research and theory. (JAC)

Examined effects of counselor attire on clients' state anxiety, willingness to self-disclose, and counselor preference. Counselor attire was traditional, casual, and highly casual. Clients experienced lower anxiety with counselors in casual v highly casual attire. No differences emerged between traditionally and casually attired counselors. Client…

Notes that all counseling and psychotherapy relationships consist of working alliance, transference configuration, and real relationship. Draws on theoretical and research literature and uses clinical examples to offer 19 propositions about how these 3 relationship components interact with one another, how each operates across course of…

Examines the research literature concerned with the effectiveness of utilizing preset, explicit time limits in therapy. For better adjusted clients and certain counseling goals, time limited therapy (TLT) is as effective as time unlimited therapy (TUT), and provides satisfactory service and saves agency time. (Author)

This theoretical paper is based on the premise that nearly all people who enter therapy do so, to varying degrees, with the wish (conscious or unconscious demand) to have dependent longing and affectional needs gratified in the therapy itself. The conditions under, and the extent to which, the therapist provides direct gratification are crucial…

The development and initial validation of a therapist-rated measure of the real relationship in psychotherapy (the Real Relationship Inventory-Therapist Form [RRI-T]) is reported. Using a sample (n=80) of practicing psychotherapists and on the basis of prior theory, the authors developed a 24-item measure consisting of 2 subscales (Realism and…

The appropriateness of four counseling center models (traditional, consultation, vocational guidance, psychotherapy) and 15 specific counseling center functions for universities with enrollments of 10,000 plus were evaluated by samples of counselors, student personnel administrators, resident assistants, faculty, students, and university…