Describes a comprehensive doctoral training program in marriage and family therapy (MFT) at East Texas State University. Students and faculty realize the dynamic breadth and depth that MFT training gives counselor education. The need is there and marriage and family therapy education should not be ignored. (Author)

Reviews the literature on the role of family distress in the treatment of children's behavior disorders. Describes a system for integrating marital- and child-focused treatments and makes suggestions for improving the design of studies assessing the impact of contextual factors on parent-child interaction. (FMW)

In Australia, the institutions of marriage and family are changing as reflected by the statistics on separation, divorce, and remarriage. Recent figures reveal an increase in divorce in the earlier years of marriage as well as a dramatic increase in the number of remarriages occuring across all age groups. Under the Family Law Act the government…

A theoretical outline for an ideal or constructed type for the concept of "love" is presented. According to the definition presented, there are five basic elements or indicators which are sufficient conditions for the existence of love in its broadest sense: empathy, desire for the presence of the other, sharing, sacrifice and joy. Under…

Examines the view that individual pathologies and problems are manifestations of family dysfunctions. The interdependence of family members is the critical element in the family group therapy process. Intervention involves the disruption of the dynamic balance maintained by the family system. (RC)

In spite of some initial disappointments, the large number of publications and government services devoted to prevention suggests that preventive mental health has established its place in the mental health delivery system. Prevention is broadly defined as an attempt to reduce the prevalence of a disorder. Traditionally, prevention has been…

Marriages, just like the individuals in them, go through stages of development. Understanding these relatively predictable stages can be helpful to couples, by allaying apprehension, promoting preparation for change, and putting fluctuations into perspective. Research on marital stages and experiences in counseling couples suggest that marriages…

This essay on marriage and family therapy begins with background information on the institutions of marriage and the family, including religious and social forces, and the effects of the industrial revolution on American society. The impact of the two world wars on the social, political, economic, and psychological climate of the United States is…

Discusses the role of school counseling as related to classroom behavior, stepfamily and family therapy, marriage and premarital counseling, substance abuse, and emotional abuse. Focuses on family counseling in a school setting and the increasing role of school counselors in changing family and educational systems. (JAC)

In the past decade, assisting gay and lesbian clients with the coming out process, helping clients to manage stigmatized identities, and assisting counselors in removing their homophobic attitudes were the first priorities in dealing with homosexuality. This book outlines some of the issues that gays, lesbians, and bisexuals must deal with beyond…

Counseling across cultures can present many problems for the White American counselor. It is important that the counselor understand the subculture in order to meet the needs of minority clients. In dealing with Black Americans, the counselor must consider issues of racism and religion. When working with Mexican-Americans, the counselor must often…

Observational studies of marital interaction have become increasingly popular in recent years, resulting from trends in family research including a movement towards the measurement of behavior rather than attitudes. In fact, there is now a proliferation of coding systems, but no "user's guide" for the researcher. This paper overviews the…

This book, designed for graduate and doctoral level students as well as practicing professionals, provides a comprehensive look at the standards of law and ethics by which mental health professionals must abide. Issues related to ethics and law can be confusing as values and rules change based on client and context. For example, a school counselor…

Discusses specific new laws and programs to strengthen family life suggested in the (N=34) detailed reforms proposed and endorsed by the 1980 White House Conference on Families. Explores four reform possibilities including high school marriage preparation classes, a mandated marriage readiness test, family incorporation, and support for prenatal…

Reviews similarities in criticism of the treatment of women, minorities, and homosexuals by marital and family therapists. Examines the impact these critiques have had on the field and explores areas in which work is still needed. Contains 132 references. (JBJ)