Counseling is an interactive process which is characterized by an unique relationship between counselor and the counselee, and this leads to change in the counselee in one or more of the following areas such as behavior (changes in the ways the counselee acts, copes, makes decisions or relates), beliefs (ways of thinking about one self, others and the world) or emotional concerns about these perceptions), level of emotional distress (uncomfortable feelings or reactions to environmental stress), and attitudes (negative attitudes towards self or others) (Sadhu, 2011).
In the counseling profession there is a great deal of discussion or debate about the outcomes of counseling (Sumrall, 2003). Counselors are interested in answering a variety
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Other experts point out, however, that while therapist factors are clearly important, they are not exclusive of the models that therapists practice. It's imperative that providers make sure the treatments they are using are based on solid science, says Thomas Sexton, PhD, a psychology professor at Indiana University and a member of APA's Div. 43 (Society for Family Psychology) Task Force for Evidence-Based Practices. "There's evidence to suggest that certain intervention programs also make a difference with specific client problems," Sexton says. "The work of the task force centered around the position that effective therapists need good interpersonal skills, a systematic model with good likelihood of success, and the ability to implement those models with fidelity and clinical complexity — or with high competence — in ways that match to the clients." And more clients may soon be able to experience meaningful therapeutic gains if this group can identify the therapist characteristics and actions that most help — as well as those that undermine —