Feminist therapists' writings, while focusing on the needs of female clients, do not always consider the limitations of the therapist. Gender differences in beginning psychotherapists' behaviors and client interactions were investigated to determine the effect of sex-role stereotyping on therapeutic interactions and interventions. Verbatim transcripts of therapy sessions conducted by 28 graduate students in counseling psychology were rated for the therapist activity style. The ratings were done independently by a male and a female experienced therapist along 13 7-point rating scales, mostly taken from the original list of semantic-differential. The Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) was completed by subjects to assess sex-role stereotyping. Significant correlations were found between femininity and androgyny scores on the BSRI and low ratings of therapist activity level. Masculinity scores on the BSRI were not strongly related to the activity level of the therapist. The findings suggest that, compared to beginning male therapists, beginning female therapists are less likely to be confident, directive and interpretive in therapeutic interactions, and more likely to behave in an unsure, weak, passive manner with their clients. (Author/NRB)