Success and failure in client-centered therapy as a function of initial in-therapy behavior.

Abstract

The participants were 42 students and nonstudents seen by therapists at the Counseling Center, University of Chicago. An investigation was made of the manner in which clients initially present problems and approach the resolution of problems, and the significance of this to differences in length of outcome of therapy. Individual differences between clients seems to account for different kinds of therapeutic processes. Earlier rather than later in-therapy modification of therapist approach might be desirable if short failure cases are to remain in therapy. The manner in which the client conceptualizes and attempts to resolve his problems has much to do with whether or not he achieves resolution. Therapists must give special attention to interaction between client and therapist; to the client''s approach to his problems and the therapist''s responses to that approach.