The therapeutic relationship is an important factor in substance abuse treatment. Because Twelve-Step Program (TSP) concepts and principles are often incorporated into substance abuse treatment, we investigated whether counselor familiarity and time spent on TSPs impact counselor credibility.
A sample of 180 clients receiving residential treatment in the capital region of a northeastern state in 2009 completed a Client Demographic Questionnaire and the Counselor Rating Form – Short Version. Their counselors (N 31) completed a corresponding Counselor Demographic Questionnaire.
The effect of the estimated percentage of in-session time discussing TSPs (p .010) and the effect of TSP familiarity for counselors in recovery (p .017) had significant effects on counselor credibility.
The credibility of counselors is important for a working relationship with clients. These results highlight counselor influence stemming from a TSP presence in treatment, indicating positive ramifications for the therapeutic relationship.
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