Differential Impact of Student Counselors' Self-Concept on Clients' Perceptions of Therapeutic Effectiveness

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between the self-concepts of graduate students in a counseling practicum and their clients' later perceptions of therapeutic effectiveness. 20 counselors were divided into high and low self-concept groups based on the Self-confidence and Self-control scales of the Adjective Check List. At the completion of each counseling session the client evaluated the counselor using the Cottle Client Evaluation Form. Results indicate that: (1) clients of student counselors with high self-concepts reported significantly more positive change during the course of counseling as a result of greater trust in their counselor's abilities; (2) greater levels of self-confidence shown by the student counselors high in self-concept significantly contributed to an increased judgment of therapeutic effectiveness.