Counselor and Therapist Gender Bias? More Questions Than Answers

We examined inconsistent evidence for counselor and therapist gender bias in empirical investigations and literature reviews. Three sets of possible explanations for inconsistent findings are proposed and illustrated with examples: conceptual and definitional problems with the concept of gender bias; methodological shortcomings in key studies in this area; and the influence of researchers' beliefs and values on interpretation of research findings. We suggest that any conclusions about counselor and therapist gender bias are premature, that existing research must be reevaluated in light of the limitations that have been identified, and that future research that avoids these pitfalls must be conducted.