Race, Gender, and Therapist Confidence: Effects on Satisfaction With the Therapeutic Relationship in MFT

Johnson, Loree A.; Caldwell, Benjamin E.

doi:10.1080/01926187.2010.532012

Cited by 62Psychotherapy Techniques and ApplicationsCounseling Practices and SupervisionCounseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics

Race, Gender, and Therapist Confidence: Effects on Satisfaction With the Therapeutic Relationship in MFT

Johnson, Loree A., Caldwell, Benjamin E.·2011·The American Journal of Family Therapy

DOI 10.1080/01926187.2010.532012

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Abstract

Researchers have yet to clarify what factors most strongly shape the quality of the psychotherapeutic relationship. This study investigated the effects of race match, gender match, and perceptions of therapists’ confidence on both clients’ and therapists’ satisfaction with the therapeutic relationship. Marriage and family therapists and clients at a teaching clinic in New York state were surveyed after the fourth session. Clients were significantly more satisfied with the therapeutic relationship (p < .05) when paired with therapists of the same gender. Both clients and therapists were more satisfied (p < .001) when they had similar perceptions of therapist confidence. Implications for training are discussed.

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Authors: Johnson, L. A., & Caldwell, B. E.
Affiliations: Alliant University (US)
ORCID: Caldwell, Benjamin E.
Venue: The American Journal of Family Therapy
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2011-07
Volume: 39
Issue: 4
Pages: 307-324
ISSN: 0192-6187 (ISSN-L)
1521-0383
DOI: 10.1080/01926187.2010.532012
OpenAlex: W2072319179
Cited by: 62
References: 70
Citations by year: 2026: 2 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 8 · 2013: 2 · 2012: 1
FWCI: 3.80
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: American Journal of Family Therapy (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Counseling Practices and Supervision
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics
Keywords: therapist confidence, client satisfaction, therapist satisfaction, therapeutic relationship, marriage and family therapy, therapist training

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Race, Gender, and Therapist Confidence: Effects on Satisfaction With the Therapeutic Relationship in MFT

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