Client emotional involvement and occurrence of in-session therapeutic phenomena

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between changes in the level of client emotional involvement as measured by the Client Experiencing Scale and Strength of Feeling Scale-Revised, and occurrence of in-session therapeutic phenomena as measured by the Category System of Client Good Moments, in Person-Centred and Rational-Emotive Therapy. Judges rated client statements in 6 sessions conducted by Carl Rogers and 6 sessions conducted by Albert Ellis. The findings indicated that: (a) client statements which contained a good-moment had significantly higher levels of client emotional involvement; and (b) there was no difference between therapeutic approaches in the level of client emotional involvement achieved. Implications of the results for theory, practice, and future research are outlined.