Theoretical underpinnings of practice in family service agencies

1,334 counselors from 123 Family Service America (FSA) agencies participated in a survey to assess which theories of counseling and psychotherapy were used in their day-to-day work with clients. Counselors were not asked directly which theories they used. Rather, use was ascertained from the interventions they employed in the counseling process. Although 3 theories predominated, findings showed that FSA practitioners were eclectic in their practice--they chose certain interventions from 11 theories. Comparison of subgroup scores for demographic characteristics with total group scores for theory use showed remarkable consistency in the order of theories used.