The therapeutic value of psychotherapists' values and therapy orientations

This study investigated novice psychotherapists' personal values and therapy orientations as a therapist variable affecting their therapeutic rapport with psychotic patients. Both types of therapist characteristics were found significantly related to their initial success in terms of rapport with patients, while psychological differentiation and A-B types (Whitehorn and Betz 1954) were not so related. "Equilitarianism" among the values, expressive-experiential qualities among self-declared fortes, and directiveness among therapy orientations were the specific areas found associated with therapists' initial rapport. Conversely, emphasis on "identification" and "suggestive powers" as modes of change produced inverse correlations with success. The results underscore the importance of these variables as therapist attributes but do not necessarily argue for the absolute or intrinsic advantage of these values and doctrines. The composite picture which emerged of the effective therapists suggested equalitarianism combined with some degree of individualism and eclecticism underlying their personal and professional orientations. This may reflect the prevailing actual pragmatism in the professional community, even though it may contrast with their declared ideological loyalties.