The relation between client stages of change and client expectations a
bout counseling was examined in a sample of 88 clients seeking service
s from a university-based outpatient clinic. Results of a canonical co
rrelation indicated that the composite of the contemplation, action, a
nd maintenance stages of change was significantly related to the expec
tation factors of Personal Commitment and Facilitative Conditions. The
composite of the contemplation and maintenance stages of change accou
nted for additional variance in expectations for Facilitative Conditio
ns, Counselor Expertise, and Nurturance. The significance and implicat
ions of these findings for counseling are briefly discussed.