A Perspective on Differential Services in Counseling: Altruism and Likeness

Authors

James Latimore, University of North Carolina, Charlotte

Abstract

In this exploratory study using a small sample, an attempt is made to understand the differential services provided by vocational counselors in a non-profit agency, a setting in which a strong identification with clients is encouraged. The services are measured and the unequal measures of service are related to the degree to which the client is seen as an image of the counselor in certain respects. Counseling is viewed as an altruistic occupation and the differential services are analyzed in this context. In general, it is suggested that the differential counseling and psycho-therapeutic services noted by other writers all reflect a kind of likeness between counselor-therapist and client-patient, that the relationship is somewhat narcissistic, and that while the kinds of likeness observed may be quite varied, they can be classified as reflecting biological, psychological, and social factors.

Recommended Citation

Latimore, James (1986) "A Perspective on Differential Services in Counseling: Altruism and Likeness," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 13: Iss. 4, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1784
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol13/iss4/9