Development and Validation of the Self-Awareness and Management Strategies (SAMS) Scales for Therapists.

The Self-Awareness and Management Strategies (SAMS) Scales were created to assess therapists' experiences of hindering self-awareness during counseling sessions. A sample of 301 therapists completed the SAMS, along with 2 other measures used to establish validity. In addition to asking about therapists' experiences with their self-awareness, the SAMS also assessed the strategies therapists use to manage hindering self-awareness. The results suggest that there is strong initial evidence for the reliability and validity of the SAMS Scales. A factor analysis of the SAMS Scales resulted in 2 subscales for hindering self-awareness (Anxious and Distracting) and 5 subscales of management strategies (Self-Care, Relaxation, Focusing on the Client, Suppression, and Use of Basic Techniques). Future research ideas and implications for counseling are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)