Counsellor and client perceptions of client problems

Abstract

This study examined the mutual awareness of counsellors and clients about clients' problems and considered the extent to which counsellors and clients agreed about problems. To investigate these issues data were obtained by the administration of questionnaires to 10 school counsellors and their next 10 adolescent clients. Results suggested that counsellors were aware of client problems in 42% of cases. Clients were aware about how counsellors viewed their problems in 17% of cases. There was agreement between counsellor and client about client's problems in 22% of cases. Effects of a number of variables on perceptions about problems were also investigated. Type of referral (self, other) and approach taken by counsellor did not influence perceptions. Having background information about clients appeared to impede counsellors' awareness about problems and degree of agreement between counsellors and clients about the nature of problems. Number of previous interviews with clients and the length of experience of counsellors also affected counsellor/client perceptions.