Comparing Counseling and Clinical Psychology Practitioners: Similarities and Differences on Theoretical Orientations Revisited

Abstract

The study compared the theoretical orientation preferences of practitioners of clinical and counseling psychology. A total of 221 participants (110 clinical and 111 counseling) completed a web-based survey. Theoretical orientation preference was assessed using a modified version of the Theoretical Orientation Profile Scale-Revised (TOPS-R; Worthington & Dillon in Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, 36, 95–105, 2003). MANCOVA results showed that profession, gender, and years of clinical experience were related to choice of theoretical orientation. Counseling psychology practitioners indicated use of the feminist and multicultural orientations significantly more than clinical psychology practitioners. In contrast, clinical practitioners indicated use of the cognitive-behavioural orientation significantly more than counseling practitioners. The implications of these differences are discussed with respect to the training and practice of both clinical and counseling psychology practitioners.