| dc.description.abstract | Understanding the development and acquisition of professional competencies of
counselors in training is crucial to the field of psychology. Many assume that increased training
is related to greater development of these professional competencies and improved therapeutic
outcomes. Previous literature has shown inconsistency regarding the relationship between
training level and clinical outcomes. Some studies claim that there are differences in outcomes
among training levels (Budge et al., 2013; Driscoll et al., 2003) and some show a lack of
differences among counselors with varying levels of experience (Lambert et al., 2003; Michael,
Huelsman, & Crowley, 2005; Nyman et al., 2010; Propst, Paris, & Rosberger, 1994; Stein &
Lambert, 1995). Few studies have focused on understanding therapist effects in outcome
research for counselors in training. This study was conducted to explore within-group differences
in counselors in training in their ability to facilitate clinical outcomes. For this study, Outcome
Questionnaire (OQ-45.2) data from Texas A&M University’s Counseling and Assessment Clinic
was analyzed to better understand differences among trainees in a counseling psychology
doctoral program. Results indicated that there was not a statistically significant relationship
between counselor education level and client outcome. Despite this, within-group differences
were observed among the highest and lowest performing post bachelor’s and post master’s
counselors. By better understanding how counselors in training differ in their ability to generate
clinical outcomes, counselor training programs might be better equipped to train and provide
appropriate intervention for future cohorts of psychologists in training. | en |
