| Abstract: | The first-session behaviors of therapists and clients in 38 cases were observationally codes and their relations to client ratings of session impact and treatment duration were examined. Results indicated that few first-session global types of behaviors of participants affect treatment durations. Clients may suspend judgement about continuing in therapy untill after they have attended more than one session, regardless of the first inverview's impact. Thus, the first interview may be less crucial than traditionally asserted. It also appears that first-session behaviors of therapists and clients that are associated with greater impact may vary as a function of client type, that is individuals as opposed to couples and families. |
