The unfolding of the Korean client- and counselor-rated real relationship and the counseling outcome in Korea

The purpose of this study is to examine the unfolding of counselor-client-rated real relationships over the course of counseling as well as to verify whether the change rate is associated with the treatment outcome with a Korean sample. In this study, data were collected from 71 Korean counselor/client dyads; the clients and counselors completed real-relationship measures (KRRI-C, KRRI-T) to assess the strength of their real relationship after the first, third, fifth, and eighth session of the counseling. Clients also completed the outcome measure (KOQ-30) before the first session and at the end of the eighth session. To analyze this, latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) was used. The results of the analysis are as follows: first, both client-rated and counselor-rated real relationship significantly increased linearly over the course of counseling sessions. Second, the client’s initial ratings and the change rate of the real relationship were significantly related with the treatment outcome. Third, the counselor’s initial ratings and the change rate of the real relationship were not related with the treatment outcome. Implications for future research and counseling practice are discussed.