Perceptions of "counselors" and other help-givers: What's in a label?

Investigated the perceptions held by 240 undergraduates about counseling psychologists, college counselors, high school counselors, advisors, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists. Ss completed a questionnaire containing 100 adjectives which they assigned to the various professions on the basis of how well each described the role. Greater differences were found within the counseling specialties than between counseling psychologists and either clinical psychologists or psychiatrists. Contrary to previous research, none of the counseling groups were viewed as "nice guys" in relation to psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. Implications for both research and public relations are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Ethnic group perceptions of mental health service providers.

Assessed 121 male and 118 female Chicano, 124 male and 123 female Black, and 126 male and 125 female Anglo college students' perceptions of 100 characteristics of 6 service-provider groups and the likelihood that Ss would discuss 9 problem areas with professional groups. Analysis revealed main effects for race, sex, and provider groups; factor analysis of the 9 problem topics revealed personal-social and educational-vocational dimensions. Females were more likely than males to discuss both problem areas with provider groups. Blacks and Chicanos were more likely than Anglos to take personal problems to professionals. Ss preferred to consult psychiatrists and clinical psychologists for the same types of problems more than counseling psychologists, who in turn were preferred more than college counselors, high school counselors, and advisers. For educational-vocational concerns, Ss generally expressed a stronger probability of consulting providers other than psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. Methodological issues, previous findings, and implications for service providers are discussed. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Therapists' self-reported training and success rates in treating clients with childhood sexual abuse

In this two-part study, three groups of therapists (16 psychologists, 11 counselors, and 14 social workers) were compared with regard to their success rates with clients presenting with childhood sexual abuse, and 43 graduate programs were asked whether they offered courses covering counseling techniques with such clients. Therapists' self-reported success rates were not significantly related to therapists' training, but type of therapy was. Given a response rate of 18.6%, self-reports should be treated cautiously. Over two-thirds of the training programs (45% response rate) offered courses covering issues in childhood sexual abuse and 67% offered courses covering counseling techniques with such clients. However, in 85% of these courses, treatment of childhood sexual abuse was a topic covered under more general course headings.     

Mental health values of professional therapists: A national interdisciplinary survey.

We conducted a national survey of clinical psychologists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, and psychiatrists to assess values pertinent to mental health and psychotherapy. The survey revealed considerable agreement among mental health professionals about this specific values domain. There was a strong relationship between their views of a value's importance for a positive, mentally healthy life-style and its usefulness in guiding psychotherapy. Differences in the characteristics of therapists were correlated with differences in their values. We also found factors related to value differences between professional groups. Implications for therapeutic philosophy and practice are considered, and the need for explicitness concerning values is emphasized. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluating and overcoming barriers to taking abuse histories.

Psychologists are frequently faced with issues of whether, when, and how to ask clients if they have been abused. Despite the demonstrated relationship between child abuse and adult psychopathology, researchers report that many clinicians still do not routinely inquire about abuse. A questionnaire completed by 63 psychologists and 51 psychiatrists in New Zealand revealed that factors related to reluctance to ask about abuse include the following: more pressing issues, fear of disturbing clients, a diagnosis of schizophrenia, biological etiology beliefs, and fear of inducing "false memories." Significant differences were found between psychologists and psychiatrists on some of these factors. Practice guidelines for enhancing the frequency and efficacy of abuse inquiry are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Counselor theoretical orientation as related to intake judgments.

Investigated the relation between the predominant theoretical orientations (self-identified) of counselors and intake interview judgments by asking 12 senior staff counseling psychologists to rate the problems of 1,443 university students who presented themselves for an intake interview on a 5-point scale. Results show that counselors who were humanistically oriented judged that their clients presented more severe educational problems and characterized their clients as more anxious than did the cognitively oriented psychologists. The 2 groups of counselors did not differ in how they judged the severity of personal problems or predicted length of treatment. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Just what is Christian counseling anyway?

Professional psychologists may be asked about Christian counseling services and wonder how to best respond. Given the diversity of methods and worldviews that might be considered Christian counseling, it is important for psychologists to understand some of the major approaches used. Biblical counseling, pastoral counseling, Christian psychology, Christian ministry, and other approaches are described briefly, and in each case implications for professional psychologists are offered. Collaborative efforts are likely to be productive when interacting with certified pastoral counselors and Christian psychologists, and ministry approaches may provide supplemental resources for psychotherapy with Christian clients. Ethical issues are considered, and a 5-step model for responding to questions about Christian counseling is offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparative perceptions of counselor behavior: A replication and extension.

Investigated comparative perceptions of counselor behavior. 40 counseling interviews were rated by 40 16–50 yr old participating clients, 9 counselors (professional staff members), and 5 observers (staff psychologists) along social influence and client-centered dimensions at a Midwestern community mental health center. The Counselor Rating Form (CRF) and Barrett-Lennard Relationship Inventory ere used to yield measures of these dimensions. Results support the hypothesis that clients would rate their counselors highest on each variable relative to counselor self-ratings and observers' ratings of counselors. Correlational analyses revealed a high degree of relationship among the social influence and client-centered dimensions for client and observer ratings. There was greater agreement between clients and observers than between clients and counselors or counselors and observers on 4 dimensions. Data suggest the existence of a common factor of perceived counselor behavior. The utility of the social influence constructs as measured by the CRF was supported, and this area of study appears to have direct relevance to research in applied professional settings. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An analysis of the nature and justification of treatment decisions in inpatient settings.

83 mental health professionals employed at 2 inpatient settings participated in a study on the nature and justification of assessment and treatment decision making. Clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, a psychiatric nursing service staff group, social workers, nonpsychiatric physicians, physician assistants, mental health workers/psychiatric technicians who had at least a high school diploma, rehabilitation specialists, and psychiatric administrators completed a treatment decision questionnaire. It addressed several specific content areas relating to the types of assessment procedures, treatment goals, and treatment methods mental health professionals usually use, as well as the usual reason(s) for such procedures. Results showed that inpatient mental health professionals mostly relied on past success as well as logistical-practical factors in the determination and justification of assessment and treatment methods. Analyses of differences among inpatient institutions and mental health professionals are also presented. The conclusion was that, regardless of the specific assessment and treatment methods relied on, mental health professionals did use systematic decision procedures in choosing such methods. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Same difference: Black therapists' experience of same-race therapeutic dyads.

Do Black therapists experience their work with Black clients differently than their work with other clients? A phenomenological study of 12 Black psychologists, social workers, and counselors working in college counseling centers examined these therapists' lived experience of same-race therapeutic dyads. The therapists described the unique aspects of their therapy with Black clients, as well as how they learned to perform that work. The implications of this study are vital not only to Black therapists, but also to educators and supervisors of Black therapist trainees. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Review of Dual diagnosis: Counseling the mentally ill substance abuser.

Reviews the book, Dual diagnosis: Counseling the mentally ill substance abuser by Katie Evans and J. Michael Sullivan (1991). This book is intended to be a practical guide for counseling a particularly difficult group of clients. The authors hope that it will be read by a wide audience, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, chemical dependency counselors, family and marital therapists, child protective service workers, court examiners, school counselors, and others. The 10 chapters cover a variety of topics, touching on several aspects of working with "dual diagnosis" clients (i.e., people who present for treatment with both substance use and major psychiatric disorders). The authors have attempted to cover a complicated and extensive set of problems and a variety of issues and approaches in this short book. Many readers will appreciate the practical and straightforward suggestions for assessing and treating the dual diagnosis client. However, along with the straightforward approach comes simplification of some difficult problems. For example, the chapter on identifying chemical dependency includes no discussion of assessing patterns of drug or alcohol use or the antecedents or consequences that may be peculiar to people with a particular disorder. Dual diagnosis clients seem to use mental health and substance abuse services at a disproportionately high rate, yet they also seem the most likely to "fall through the cracks." Use of some of the treatment suggestions discussed in this book may help remedy the situation and could be useful for someone not yet familiar with dual diagnosis clients. However, in the end, one wishes that the book was more focused and detailed. Instead, probably because of the large scope of intended readers and clients, it becomes more of an outline and loses some of its practical significance. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Beliefs about the helpfulness of interventions for mental disorders: a comparison of general practitioners, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess health professionals' beliefs about the helpfulness of a broad range of possible interventions for mental disorders. METHOD: The study involved a postal survey of 872 general practitioners (GPs), 1128 psychiatrists and 454 clinical psychologists. These health practitioners were presented with a vignette describing either a person with schizophrenia or one with depression. The vignettes were taken from an earlier survey of the general public. Respondents were asked to rate the likely helpfulness of various types of professional and non-professional help and of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. RESULTS: Two-thirds or more of each profession agreed that the person with schizophrenia would be helped by GPs, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, antipsychotic agents and admission to a psychiatric ward. Similarly, two-thirds agreed that the person with depression would be helped by GPs, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, antidepressants, counselling and cognitive-behavioural therapy. However, there were also areas of disagreement. Psychiatrists were less likely than GPs and clinical psychologists to rate psychological and lifestyle interventions as helpful, while clinical psychologists were less likely to rate specifically medical interventions as helpful. Younger members of the professional groups and female members (who also tended to be younger) tended to rate a wider range of interventions for each disorder as likely to be helpful. CONCLUSIONS: Despite areas of broad agreement about treatment, health practitioners were more likely to endorse the interventions associated with their own profession. However, younger members of each profession tended take a broader view. If these age differences represent a cohort effect, health professionals may in the future show greater acceptance of the helpfulness of interventions offered outside their profession. These conclusions are limited by the methodology of the survey, which involved a questionnaire designed for the public rather than professionals.     

Ethical knowledge exhibited by clients and nonclients.

Two studies were conducted to explore the relation between (a) experience in counseling and psychotherapy and (b) ethical knowledge. In Study 1, 77 college students reported their experience as clients in a variety of settings and then completed a questionnaire concerning their knowledge of ethical issues. The hypothesis that clients (subjects who had counseling experience) would demonstrate ethical knowledge superior to that of nonclients (those with no such experience) was not supported. Ethical knowledge did not differ as a function of counseling experience, the setting in which counseling was received, or the number of sessions. However, though overall ethical knowledge was high across groups, knowledge with respect to each ethical issue was incomplete. In Study 2, following the same procedure, we compared 17 current psychotherapy clients at a Veterans Administration medical center with 15 nonclients, patients in the hypertension clinic who had never received psychological services. These clients demonstrated superior ethical knowledge on specific issues (.008?ps?     

Clinical psychologist in the vanguard: Current attitudes toward mental illness.

To determine the current degree of acceptance of an antimedical approach to mental illness, a survey was conducted of attitudes toward mental illness among various mental health professionals (20 psychiatrists, 23 psychiatric nurses, 16 psychologists, and 25 social workers) and mental patients (41 outpatients with a history of psychiatric hospitalization and 20 outpatients with no similar history) in a community mental health center. Responding to 6 statements reflecting attitudes toward the traditional medical model, clinical psychologists showed greater acceptance of the antimedical paradigm than did psychiatrists, psychiatric social workers, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatric outpatients. Several explanations are offered as to why clinical psychologists appear to be in the vanguard of those adopting a critical, antimedical stance within the clinical arena. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Religiosity of psychotherapists: A national survey.

Explored the religiosity of 425 marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists. Although 80% of the Ss indicated a religious preference, only 41% regularly attended religious services. According to the Religious Orientation Inventory, 230 of 425 Ss were classified as religious. This is consistent with findings of previous studies (e.g., A. E. Bergin; see record 1980-05877-001). The potential for change toward greater empathy for religious clients is underscored by the significant levels of unexpressed religiosity found among mental health professionals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Counseling as a social influence process: A review.

Conceptualizing counseling as an instance of social influence has led several authors to suggest that factors such as credibility and interpersonal attraction, extensively researched by social psychologists, may be of importance in understanding counseling and other therapeutic relationships. These suggestions, and especially the article by S. R. Strong (1968), have stimulated a great deal of research. That research and relevant, related research is reviewed with the intent of offering suggestions for future study and for considering the following questions: Do counselors influence clients? What cues do clients use to infer expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness in their counselors? Is it useful to consider counseling as a social influence process? (3? p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dimensions of psychotherapy in private practice.

Categorical approaches to psychotherapy on 4 bipolar dimensions are presented, including emotional intensity, location of problem, location of therapy, and location of responsibility. By means of a questionnaire, 142 psychotherapists in private practice were surveyed regarding types of patients treated, techniques utilized, clinical specialty areas, and self-ratings on the 4 dimensions. Of the 142 Ss, 41% were psychologists; 32% were marriage, family, and child counselors; 14% were psychiatrists; 9% were social workers; and 4% were psychological assistants or other specialists. Therapists whose theoretical orientation suggested conceptual clarity produced more discriminating responses on the dimensions, whereas therapists with conflicting orientations made less discriminating responses. Practitioners appeared to differ most along those dimensions over which they had practical control. (1 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)