Counselor Conceptual Level and Counseling: A Reappraisal

Abstract

Conceptual level (CL) has been proposed as an important individual difference variable related to counselor training and effectiveness. However, relatively little attention has been paid to CL measurement issues in relation to counseling. Previous researchers have concluded that counselor CL is related to counselor training and counseling outcomes. A meta-analysis of 10 studies using counselors or counselor trainees as participants and outcomes based on counseling interviews showed the relationship between counselor CL and outcome to be inconsistent and weak. Although further research into CL and counseling appears warranted, such research will require valid domain-specific procedures for measuring counselor CL.