The Influences of Race on the Psychotherapeutic Relationship

The influences on the therapeutic relationship of racial differences between client and therapist are receiving renewed attention in the psychological literature. The subject has been examined in several reviews (Banks, 1971; Gardner, 1971; Sattler, 1970) and a growing number of research studies in the past few years. The reviews reveal that most of this literature consists of anecdotal accounts, uncontrolled observations, limited research findings, and a rather one-sided emphasis upon the white therapist-black client relationship, to the neglect of other racial combinations. This review will examine the psychotherapeutic relationship under varying racial matches of white and black clients and therapists. It seeks to sharpen the sensibilities of therapists to some of the racial factors contributing to premature termination of treatment.