title: The impact of twelve-step program familiarity and its in-session discussion on counselor credibility.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The therapeutic relationship is an important factor in substance abuse treatment. Because Twelve-Step Program (TSP) concepts and principles are often incorporated into substance abuse treatment, we investigated whether counselor familiarity and time spent on TSPs impact counselor credibility.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 180 clients receiving residential treatment in the capital region of a northeastern state in 2009 completed a Client Demographic Questionnaire and the Counselor Rating Form - Short Version. Their counselors (N = 31) completed a corresponding Counselor Demographic Questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The effect of the estimated percentage of in-session time discussing TSPs (p = .010) and the effect of TSP familiarity for counselors in recovery (p = .017) had significant effects on counselor credibility.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The credibility of counselors is important for a working relationship with clients. These results highlight counselor influence stemming from a TSP presence in treatment, indicating positive ramifications for the therapeutic relationship.
authors: School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA. cbdnns@gmail.com
authors: Cory B
authors: CB
authors: Dennis
authors: Brian D
authors: BD
authors: Roland
authors: Barry
authors: B
authors: Loneck
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult