Congruence in client-counselor expectations for relationship and the working alliance.

Abstract

The relationship between congruence in client-counselor expectations for relationship and ratings of working alliance was examined. Participants from 25 counseling dyads completed revised versions of the Psychotherapy Expectancy Inventory (J. I. Berzins, 1971) and the Working Alliance Inventory (A. O. Horvath & L. Greenberg, 1989) after the 3rd session. Correlational analyses revealed that counselor expectations for relationship were related to counselor working alliance ratings and that client expectations for relationship were related to client working alliance ratings. Multiple regression analyses showed that congruence in expectations for relationship was related to most aspects of counselor and client working alliance ratings, after controlling for expectations for relationship. Implications are discussed.

Validation and Use of the Youth and Caregiver Treatment Outcome Expectations Scale (TOES) to Assess the Relationships Between Expectations, Pretreatment Characteristics, and Outcomes

“…Although evidence supports a relationship between outcome expectations and the therapeutic alliance (e.g.,Al-Darmaki and Kivilghan 1993;Joyce and Piper 1998), only limited research supports mediation of the expectations and outcomes relationship by the therapeutic alliance…”

Respective Contributions of Therapist and Client Adult Attachment Orientations to the Development of the Early Working Alliance: A Preliminary Growth Modeling Study

“…Subsequent empirical investigations of the working alliance suggested that certain client (e.g., expressed hostility, quality of interpersonal relationships, relationship expectations) and therapist (e.g., training level, clinical intentions, relationship expectations) characteristics or factors may indeed impact the development of the working alliance (Al-Darmaki & Kivlighan, 1993;Dykeman & LaFleur, 1996;Kivlighan & Schmitz, 1992;Kokotovic & Tracey, 1990;Mallinckrodt & Nelson, 1991). However, uncertainty persists as to which therapist and client factors contribute to working alliance development.…”

Similarity of Interpersonal Behaviour in Career Counselling

“…(e.g. Al-Darmaki & Kivlighan, 1993;Galassi, Crase, Martin, James, & Wallace, 1992;Kelly, 1955Kelly, /1991Kivlighan & Arthur, 2000;Rogers, 1961Rogers, /2001Tracy, 1986;Tracy & Dundon, 1988). Of particular importance is the similarity between the client's and the counsellor's/ therapist's perception of the relationship, the implication being that similarity will affect the outcome in a positive way.…”