Clients' perceptions and evaluations of similarities to and differences from their counselors

Forty-seven community mental health clients were asked in an open-ended for mat to describe the ways in which they were similar to and different from t heir counselors; rate how significantly these similarities and differences affected the counseling relationship; and categorize the type of effect on the counseling relationship as being either good, bad, or neutral. Results revealed that personality traits were most frequently cited as similarities . Demographic variables and personality traits were most frequently cited a s differences. Both similarities and differences were rated as having prima rily positive effects on the counseling relationship, with similarities hav ing a stronger perceived impact on the relationship than differences. Metho dological considerations for exploring personality-trait and demographic si milarities and differences between counselors and clients are discussed.