Counselors' and Clients' Ethnic Similarity and Therapeutic Alliance in Time-Limited Outcomes of Counseling

Abstract

51 pairs of clients and counselors at a Southwestern university counseling and research training clinic were assessed for ethnic similarities in relation to the therapeutic alliance and counseling outcomes in 6 sessions of counseling. Analysis showed after 6 sessions symptom distress was reduced. Also, counselors and clients who had similar ethnicity had significantly more positive counseling outcomes than ethnically dissimilar pairings, but ethnic similarity was not related to the nature of the therapeutic alliance and therapeutic alliance was not a correlate of counseling outcomes.

Racial/Ethnic Match and Treatment Outcomes for Women with PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Receiving Community-Based Treatment

“…Although this finding only approached significance, it is consistent with Ricker et al (1999) who found a significant association between racial/ethnic matching and positive treatment outcomes among college students. Racial/ethnic matching may facilitate communication and understanding, enhance trust and rapport, and increase patients’ ability to participate in and benefit from treatment.…”

“…Results of effectiveness studies that examine treatment process and outcome have been mixed. Several studies found that within racially/ethnically matched dyads, patients had higher alliance ratings, reported greater understanding and acceptance of the treatment approach, and displayed more positive post-treatment outcomes compared to racially/ethnically mismatched dyads (Ricker et al 1999; Thompson and Alexandar 2006; Wintersteen et al 2005). In contrast, other studies fail to find evidence that ethnic matching leads to better treatment outcomes or greater satisfaction with therapy (Erdur et al 2003; Jones 1982).…”

Using Needs Assessment to Resolve Controversies in Diversity Training Design

“…The empirical research finds limited effects based on client-counselor gender similarity (e.g., Campbell & Johnson, 1991), but finds consistent effects based on racioethnic similarity (e.g., Ricker, Nystul, & Waldo, 1999;Terrell & Terrell, 1984;Watkins & Terrell, 1988). In general, racioethnic similarity between a counselor and a client is associated with positive outcomes such as greater symptom relief (Ricker et al, 1999), whereas racioethnic dissimilarity is associated with negative outcomes, especially in relationships characterized by distrust (Terrell & Terrell, 1984;Watkins & Terrell, 1988). Most frequently, this literature has examined the effects of Black clients' being assigned to either White or Black counselors.…”

Association between patient-provider racial and ethnic concordance and patient-centered communication in outpatient mental health clinics.

“…The literature surrounding REC, while abundant, remains inconclusive. Various studies have found positive relationships between REC and psychotherapy outcomes such as increased attendance, improved level of functioning, and higher alliance ratings (Ricker, Nystul, & Waldo, 1999;Sue, Fujino, Hu, Takeuchi, & Zane, 1991;Thompson & Alexander, 2006;Wintersteen, Mensinger, & Diamond, 2005).…”