This study sought to assess preferences for counseling response styles. Although both clients and nonclients most frequently select adjectives describing "nurturant" counselors, they have no differential preferences for response styles when these are demonstrated in scripted interactions. Neither group preferred empathic responses to other…

This study examines differences in the perceptions of 200 college students toward Carkhuff-defined facilitative conditions as a treatment, and a specific behavioral treatment, assertive training. Ratings indicated the behavioral-treatment counselor was seen as more expert and appealing than the facilitative-conditions counselor. (Author)