Client perceptions of the ideal addictions counselor

Addicted persons in a residential treatment center rated the traits which they felt were the most positive and negative in a counselor. Lists of traits were developed by having one group of clients make a list, in their own words, of positive and negative traits. These traits were compiled into lists from which other groups of clients rated the top 10 positive and the top 10 negative counselor traits. Profiles were developed for eight subgroups (Males, Females, Black Clients, White Clients, Alcoholics, Cocaine Addicts, Younger Clients: 18-23 years old, and Older Clients: 43+ years). Significant differences were found in the type of counselor preferred by various groups within the sample. The data suggest that addicted persons, while using colorful and imprecise language, have definite preferences and aversions toward certain counselor traits. These findings should be useful to counselors as well as those involved in training programs.