In the present study, the authors examined the source of racial/ethnic minority (REM) disparities in unilateral termination (i.e., the client ending therapy without informing the therapist)--a form of dropout that is associated with poor alliance and outcome. First, the authors tested whether some therapists were more likely to have clients who…

The main purpose of this study was to investigate how receiving personal counseling at a university counseling center helps students deal with their personal problems and facilitates academic functioning. To that end, this study used both clinical and academic outcome measures that are relevant to the practice of counseling provided at a…

Few instruments have been designed specifically to address the needs of college counseling centers. This article reviews existing instruments and presents 4 studies that describe the development and psychometric properties of a new instrument, the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-62 (CCAPS-62). Study 1 describes the initial…

Although a potentially important factor in case conceptualization and treatment planning, the impact of previous treatment on subsequent counseling response has received little empirical attention. Using archival data, this study aimed to (a) report the prevalence of previous treatment utilization in a counseling population, (b) examine potential…

T. J. G. Tracey et al.'s (2003) common factors model derived from therapists and psychotherapy researchers has provided a parsimonious structure to inform research and practice. Accordingly, the current authors used the 14 common factor categories identified in Tracey et al.'s model as a guide to code clients' perceptions of helpful therapist…

Treatment data from a university counseling center (UCC) that utilized the Outcome Questionnaire-45.2 (OQ-45; M. J. Lambert et al., 2004), a self-report general clinical symptom measure, was compared against treatment efficacy benchmarks from clinical trials of adult major depression that utilized similar measures. Statistical analyses suggested…

The purpose of the present study was to examine the extent to which Black racial identity attitudes, cultural mistrust, and help-seeking attitudes predicted preference for a Black counselor in a sample of 168 African American adults. Participants were recruited from college and community settings in an urban, southern location in the United…

The purpose of this study was to understand how the real relationship (RR) relates to important process and outcome variables from both the clients' and therapists' perspectives. Using a sample of 31 therapist/client dyads at a university counseling center, the authors examined the RR at the 3rd session of therapy and at termination. The results…

Factor scores denoting likelihood of becoming personal-problem clients of a counseling center were developed by means of criterion analysis for an entire freshman class. Invitations offering interpretation of orientation tests scores were accepted by a greater percentage of students whose personal-problem factor scores indicated greater likelihood…

The results indicated that the name given to the counseling service had a significant effect on the problems students felt were appropriate for referral. A Counseling Center was perceived by the students as offering a wider variety of counseling services than either a Guidance Center or a Psychological Services Center. (Auhtor)

In describing the behavioral and personality characteristics of clients applying for services at a counseling center the major descriptive instrument used was the Repression-Sensitization scale. The instrument proved successful and it is hoped that it may be employed in place of intake interviews during times of increased client demand. (Author/CG)

Applied critical incident technique to determine dimensions of performance among psychology interns by surveying training directors (n=46). Identified seven dimensions: clinical skills, commitment to own professional development, crisis and emergency situations, interpersonal relationships, knowledge, professional and ethical behavior, and…

Explored counseling center change by examining current hiring preferences of counseling center directors. In the first study, 130 counseling center directors rated a clinical or counseling vita for agency fit, likelihood of being licensed, and general competence. In the second study, position advertisements were classified as clinical, counseling,…

Specific inquiry was made into the topic of co-therapy leadership. Results provide overwhelming endorsement of the use of a group model and for the advantages of cotherapist-led groups. (Auhtor)

Evaluated comparative effectiveness of an in vivo presentation, a personally written letter, and an impersonal brochure in modifying students' attitudes toward the appropriateness of personal/social, vocational, and college routine concerns for discussion with a counseling psychologist. Results suggest simple presentation of the facts is enough to…