Experiences of Altruism in the Therapeutic Relationship: Perspectives of Counselors-in-Training and Their Clients

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological investigation was to explore experiences of altruism in the therapeutic relationship to better understand how counselors-in-training (CITs) and their clients mutually perceived the construct in sessions. Findings from interviews with clients (n = 14) included emotional–relational characteristics and cognitive–behavioral aspects of altruism by their counselors. Findings from interviews with CITs (n = 10) included explorations of the role of altruism in counseling, overall experiences of altruism in counseling sessions, and experiences of altruism with specific clients. Implications for practice and research are discussed.