Treatment preference, treatment-preference match, and psychotherapist credibility: Influence on session outcome and preference shift.

The relationship between treatment preference, counselor credibility, and outcome was examined using two different methods. Client-rated outcome was higher for 32 volunteer clients who received an action-oriented session than for 32 volunteer clients who received an insight-oriented session and for clients who perceived their psychotherapists as credible, although session outcome did not differ between clients who did and did not receive their preferred treatment (insight-oriented vs. action-oriented). Clients who received their nonpreferred treatment shifted more in their preferences than did clients who received their preferred treatment. In addition, 76 participants viewed Rogers doing a demonstration session with Gloria. In general, they shifted toward preferring insight, especially if they perceived Rogers as credible. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).