Reviews the stress-hypertension relationship among young African black Americans and shows how counselors can intervene using a conceptual sociopsychophysiological model of stress. Concludes that preventive stress management directed at vulnerable, young African-American students by counselors is very important in addressing disproportionate…

Outlines a small group model that provides elementary school counselors with a creative way to help children of alcoholics build resiliency and develop protective strategies. Emphasizes the importance of the school counselor in taking a proactive approach and reaching out to help children develop the skills needed to survive an alcoholic home.…

The notion of relational control in therapy has evolved as a concept over the past 30 years. This paper reviews the evolution of the construct of relational control as it relates to counseling and therapy. It analyzes the various ways that relational control has been used in process research and explores the manner in which counselors and clients…

Listening requires a great awareness of self, words, facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and eye contact. This article examines the importance of these factors in the development of the therapeutic relationship. Among some of the characteristics of effective listening treated here are qualities within the client/therapist…

The harmful effects of sexual abuse on children are no longer debatable, yet adequate legal action and protective services often are not provided for child and adolescent victims. With the rate of confirmed child sexual abuse victims escalating to more than 350,000 cases per year, the role of schools in meeting the specific needs of these children…

Historically, the literature on psychotherapy with borderline personality disorder has been based on object-relations theory or psychoanalytical approaches, rather than cognitive and behavioral approaches. In clinical assessment, the term borderline has been used to refer to patients with both neurotic and psychotic symptoms, a particular type of…

As therapy relationships between female therapists and female clients become more prevalent, there is a need to address the attributes of these relationships. Psychoanalytic object relations theory and feminist theory can be used to arrive at a meaningful context for viewing the dimension of intimacy. Psychoanalytic literature on the mother/infant…

Counseling psychologists would be wise to distinguish themselves from other specialists by adopting an educational paradigm in which counseling psychologists function as teachers or trainers. In this role, they provide experiences designed to establish, increase or broaden desired skill, knowledge or motivation. The educational paradigm is broad…

Professional sensitivity and responsibility must be used to describe giftedness in ways that do not isolate gifted children or their parents and which encourage shared advocacy with other educational groups. More information is needed on how labeling of gifted students and conceptual frameworks surrounding exceptionalities affect societal and…

Identity formation involves the development of self esteem, social skills, and a sense of self. Many gay and lesbian adults have noted that they were aware of their attraction to members of the same sex as early as five- and six-years-old. Reactions they received from parents and others often added to their stress. Following a description of the…

Presents a view of the domain of social work and its core of expertise from a historical contemporary perspective. Considers three factors: the location of social work within the social structure, its objectives, and the nature of its societal sanction. (JAC)

Uses Erikson's five stages of psychosocial development to examine the socialization of athletes. Because athletic ability is so heavily rewarded by adults and peers, athletes may prematurely commit themselves to unrealistic objectives and aspirations. Concerned counselors can help athletes define realistic educational and career goals. (JAC)

Describes invulnerable children as those who function well despite an unfortunate family life. Case studies illustrate the backgrounds of two invulnerable children. Common characteristics of such children are discussed, and implications are outlined for social workers who may be the best resources for these children. (JAC)

Describes in four articles the political role of the social workers both nationally and at the state and local levels, including advice on how to give effective legislative testimony. Experience with California's Proposition 13 illustrates the impact of taxes on human service programs and the need for legislative advocacy. (JAC)

Suggests social workers will be directly confronted with the relevance of the court as a social system that influences and interacts with practice. Examines the relationship of the judiciary to social work practice and develops realistic response strategies so workers may be participants rather than victims of proposed changes. (Author)