For example, the Rogerian conditions of empathy, genuineness, positive regard, and congruence are often considered to be synonymous with good therapeutic relationships. Unfortunately, most of the time the context in which these conditions were offered was not considered. In the end, attempts to reductionistically study the relationship produced results that were not particularly helpful. There will probably always be the need for some degree of reduction in the study of counseling processes. However, using an array of complex methods, counseling outcome research has moved out of the laboratory into realistic clinical settings.
Researchers now consider broad clinical processes as whole units.
As you will see in later chapters, the stage of the counseling process and the match between client and counselor is now a common characteristic of outcome research. Along this line, most outcome studies focus on groups of clients by determining average changes in predetermined process variables. By definition, a nomothetic focus aggregates individual changes into group data. The dilemma for researchers is how to identify valid and reliable trends, and still maintain the uniqueness of the individual. In addition, we might explain a few individuals comprehensively without useful ways to understand the broader patterns that unite people.