Expert psychoanalytically oriented, gestalt, and behavior therapists submitted representative audiotaped therapy interviews. A content analysis of therapist verbal behavior was conducted by means of the System for Assessing Therapist Communications, an instrument developed by the authors. Comparisons across the three theoretical orientations were made on six dimensions of behavior: type of therapeutic activity, temporal focus, interview focus, intitiative, communication, and therapeutic climate. Results indicated that according to prediction, these expert therapists were similar in their communication of empathy, the basis for their therapeutic relationships. Theoretical orientation, however, differentially influenced the use of direct guidance and facilitative techniques, interview content focused on the client, therapist self-disclosure, therapist initiative, and supportive therapy climate. Gestalt therapists were most dissimilar to the other therapists.A series of studies by Fiedler (1950aFiedler ( , 1950bFiedler ( , 1951) led him to conclude that a psychotherapist's theoretical orientation has little to do with the therapist's behavior during a therapeutic session. He argued that the nature of the therapeutic relationship is a function of expertise rather than theoretical orientation. Subsequent research, however, has made it difficult to accept Fiedler's contention. Sundland and Barker (1962) reported differences in reports of therapeutic behavior among Freudians, Rogerians, and Sullivanians. These researchers suggested that Fiedler tapped widely accepted qualities This article is based on a dissertation submitted by the first author, under the direction of the second author, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the PhD degree from Kent State University.The authors thank the therapists, who necessarily must remain anonymous, for the effort involved in contributing samples of their professional work.
