Offers reaction to McBride and Martin's article on eclecticism in counseling. Acknowledges hierarchy of eclectic practices presented by McBride and Martin provides a refined depiction of the state of eclectic practice in the field of mental health counseling. However, strong disagreement is expressed with unenthusiastic attitude toward…

Shows the nature of psychotherapy as a moral enterprise through an examination of two views of theory, i.e., they either contain moral values or require them as assumptions necessary for practice. Briefly discusses implications for the teaching and presentation of forms of psychotherapy. (BH)

Presents an interview with Jay Haley, an acclaimed pioneering therapist and master teacher. He is one of the founders of family therapy and has written 19 books on various aspects of therapy. (GCP)

Proposes that concepts of causality and power are compatible with systemic paradigm based on cybernetics of Ashby rather than that of Bateson. Criticizes Bateson's repudiation of causality and power; addresses related Batesonian biases against "quantity" and "logic." Contrasts relevant aspects of Ashby's cybernetic theory with…

Offers defense of eclecticism in counseling in response to critique by Ginter (1988) and in response to Kelly's (1988) reply to that critique. Distinguishes technical eclecticism from theoretical eclecticism. Employs a general systems theory to conceptualize the divergence among the various theories in a way that suggests that a synthesis of the…

Underscores differences among unsystematic eclecticism, theoretical integrationism, and technical eclecticism. Present brief case history to demonstrate how and why combination of theories and smorgasbord conception of eclecticism yields clinical confusion rather than therapeutic precision. Explains why atheoretical or mechanistic procedures must…

Argues integrative and eclectic theorizing and counseling are inevitable and represent progress in field of mental health counseling. Claims more research is required to examine relation of mental health counselor's theorizing and cognitions in counseling to clients' outcomes. Contends understanding of limitations of traditional counseling…

Continues recent debate on the current state of theory and the proper role of eclectic approaches. Presents brief overview of Adaptive Counseling and Therapy/Readiness model as systematic form of eclecticism. Makes argument for matching counseling approach to nature of problem and readiness of the client rather than maintaining a single…

Discusses Earl Ginter's challenge to the mental health profession to reexamine the status of counseling theory. Describes the author's journey in selecting rational-emotive therapy as his theory of choice and the role its selection has played. Presents information about discrepancy identification, a process that helps mental health counselors…

Contends that constructivist epistemology is not a new family therapy doctrine but reflects a shift from a nontraditional to a traditional use of the term "epistemology." Demonstrates how recent articulations of constructivism have resulted in some logical contradictions of earlier "epistemology" debates. Questions and…

Contends that generic profession of counseling is emerging as separate and distinct mental health profession and that rehabilitation counseling is providing scholarly model that could be adopted by professional counselors to establish knowledge base for generic counseling profession. Suggests that, before exploring this idea further, relationship…

A common client concern is worry. However, an organized description of worry and how to treat it remains relatively unaddressed. Provides two theoretical perspectives of worry and a brief review of the literature on worry. An operational definition of worry is offered, along with suggestions for counselors on how to better assist the worrisome…

Suggests that spirituality is a fifth force in counseling, and a growing area of interest for counselors. Assessment of spirituality can assist both counselor and client in obtaining a better understanding of the role of spirituality in the issues clients bring to counseling, and in designing treatment interventions appropriate for resolution of…

With the significant growth of the Muslim population in the United States, there has been a corresponding increase in the need for mental health services. The author discusses techniques for incorporating Islamic beliefs and practices in the counseling process. The fundamental goal is to ensure ethical and effective treatment for Muslim clients.

Counseling theories have traditionally been considered within a modernist epistemology. Reconsidering theories from a postmodern vantage point opens up new possibilities for theory utilization in the counseling process. The author discusses 3 of these possibilities--theories as narrative structures, theoretical truth redefined as pragmatic…