Early psychotherapy processes: an examination of client and trainee clinician perspective convergence

Convergence in the therapist-client dyad has been hypothesized to play an important role in the development of the therapeutic relationship and in successful therapy outcomes. Further, understanding the client's views and opinions of treatment has been identified as a critical skill for therapists in training to learn in order to reach professional competency in conducting psychotherapy. This study assessed convergence for 151 trainee therapist-client dyads on the identification of goals and tasks of treatment and on ratings of the therapeutic relationship, effectiveness of therapy and the client's current coping ability with life stressors. Results indicated that trainee therapists' and clients' ratings were significantly correlated; however, trainee therapists were more negative in their ratings of the relationship and progress of treatment and matched their clients' goals for treatment only 31.1% of the time. Training and practice implications are discussed.