"Common factors" in rehabilitation counseling: Expectancies and the working alliance

The purpose of this article is to describe two constructs recently highlighted in the counseling psychology literature - working alliance and counseling expectancies - and to describe first steps toward their application in vocational rehabilitation. As consumer and counselor embark on the vocational rehabilitation experience, differences in expectations may lead to a strained relationship and subsequent poor outcomes. In recognition of this challenge, the authors undertook a research project to give meaning and impetus to the concept of consumer empowerment in a manner that would maximize VR outcomes. Specifically, enhancing the quality of the working alliance between counselors and consumers is presented as one way to achieve these goals.