Evidence-Based Relationship Factors: A New Focus for Mental Health Counseling Research, Practice, and Training

Abstract

Counselor educators and mental health counselors often have a lukewarm attitude toward counseling research and evidence-based practice. This attitude may be because of a perceived mismatch between evidence-based technical procedures and the relational orientation that most counselors value. To warm up mental health counselors' attitudes toward evidence-based research and practice, we propose a relationally oriented research agenda that focuses on integrating evidence-based relationship factors (EBRFs) into counselor training and practice. Eight EBRFs are defined and operationalized, and specific counselor behaviors are described. Reframing and refocusing counseling research on relational variables has the potential to support current counseling practices and inspire development of a counseling-specific research base. Recommendations for a rapprochement between counselor education research and mental health counseling practice are offered, including a list of brief measures that mental health counselors could introduce into their counseling practice.