The impact of counselor burnout on therapeutic relationships: a multilevel analytic approach

Abstract

Research has long recognized the importance of the client-counselor therapeutic relationship in providing effective treatment. However, only limited research to date has examined the factors that are involved in its development, especially the impact of counselor factors. Likewise, research has long assumed that burnout has a detrimental impact on service relationships, however this fundamental assumption has remained virtually untested since the concept of burnout was first introduced 30 years ago. In an attempt to address both of these gaps in the literature, the current study used a multilevel modeling technique to examine the impact of counselor factors, including burnout, on the client-rated therapeutic relationship. Data for the current study came from two corrections-based therapeutic communities and included 734 clients nested within 44 counselors. Findings suggest that although limited, counselor factors do indeed impact the therapeutic relationships as rated by the client. In the current study, significantly higher counselor rapport ratings were given to counselors who were older and who had higher levels of burnout. Counselor gender, race, certification status, and experience were not found to be significantly associated with counselor rapport.