Ideal Therapist Traits

The contributions of personality traits in different fields of psychology have become increasingly popular, with researchers examining the potential role of personality in a variety of situations, such as treatment effectiveness or illness vulnerability. In regard to alliance, specific personality traits have been examined for both the therapist and the client to observe any effects on alliance formation and therapeutic outcomes. The current study filled a gap in research by taking a proactive approach to see what factors are expected/desired from a therapist, and if the factors of previous therapy experience and client personality have a relationship with what traits are desired. Participants (n = 81) completed a survey on previous therapy experience, personality, and expected therapist personality. Participant personality was measured through the 60-item NEO-PI III. Expected therapist personality traits were measured through a 90-item adjectives and descriptions list from the NEO-PI III, in which participants rated how much they would expect a therapist to possess each adjective or description. The final adjective list was derived from the PI itself, the PI adjective list, and other research lab members. The selected items and adjectives were edited and refined to ensure accurate representation of each of the six sub-facets for all five NEO traits. Correlations were examined between participant personality and expected therapist traits, and multiple linear regressions were conducted in which all five participant personality traits predicted expected therapist traits. In both analyses, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness emerged as the most desired personality traits in a therapist, while Neuroticism was undesired. When previous therapy experience was tested, no significant correlations emerged. The results of the study gave insight into the expectations that clients have of the personality characteristics of their therapists. Additionally, evidence showed that the client’s own personality affects their expectations. This information may help with client-therapist matching and, should future studies link expectations of therapist personality to therapeutic alliance, may inform therapists of how they might best engage certain aspects of their personality in session to improve the working relationship with their clients.