Although many individuals living in poverty are referred for family counseling services via schools, court systems, and social service agencies, theories have failed to provide an adequate framework for treatment. This article addresses the common principles of the multisystems approach and feminist family therapies and how they can be applied in…

Purports that because family counselors are not yet sufficiently adept at dealing with families that have a member with some sort of learning disability, they are less likely to diagnosis and address it in the treatment process. Briefly describes the "Syndrome-L Family," and discusses the challenges of this syndrome for family counseling practice.…

This review traces the development of counseling theory in relation to the philosophical constructs of free will and determinism. Problems associated with free will are discussed, and an analysis of related theoretical trends and convergent paradigms is provided. Results indicate that no major theory of counseling addresses the free will versus…

This paper begins by critically exploring Freudian and post-Freudian understandings of suicide while drawing several examples from clinical practice. The paper then reconsiders psychodynamic approaches to suicidal clients from a Levinasian ethical position. Suggests that suicide may be a logical part of what it is to be human, rather than an…

Explores significance of new reference groups for maintenance of self-esteem from standpoint of Berger's sociology of knowledge. Argues from Berger's perspective that even extremely powerful experiences of self-acceptance are in desperate need of ongoing "plausibility structure" to reinforce new sense of self. Describes implications for…

Discusses problems with current definitions and uses of eclecticism in counseling practice and importance for mental health counselors of learning to apply theory even if they wish to be eclectic. Proposes a hierarchy of eclectic practices. Claims mental health counselors need to make use of theoretical knowledge of counseling profession to offer…

Proposes a model that identifies four elements contributing to coping that can be disrupted by disability and the type of intervention that each affected element may require: restoring or replacing assets and skills; reintegrating the self-image; reformulating goals; and restructuring the environment. Discusses functions of rehabilitation…

Reviews recent research on counseling as a social influence process. Presents studies published since 1981 in two groups according to whether they pertain to first or second stage of Strong's (1968) influence model. Critically examines social influence literature as a whole as to its methodological and theoretical adequacy. (Author/ABL)

Reexamines the Mental Research Institute associates' intervention of reframing in marital therapy. Describes use of Ericksonian strategies of ratification and utilization, with emphasis on nonverbal language, conjoint reframing, unconscious wisdom, and recursive therapy. Presents ratification and utilization interventions. (Author/ABL)

Notes that feminist psychospiritual model of therapy can be used in working with clients who value spiritual dimension. Presents history, philosophy, and work of Women for a New World, multidisciplinary team of women representing psychology, religious education, and arts. Uses examples from developmental history of retreat-workshop paradigm and…

Responds to previous article by Carolyn Zerbe Enns on feminist counseling and psychotherapy. Sees Enns's article as a valuable resource and reacts to Enns's article from the perspective of a radical feminist therapist. Discusses the difficulty involved in trying to effectively integrate radical feminism with psychotherapy. (NB)

Responds to earlier article by Carolyn Zerbe Enns on feminist counseling and psychotherapy. Acknowledges productive impact of Enns's review, but raises some concerns related to the conception of history and some of the conclusions that are reached. Discusses two important parameters that merit more attention, focusing on the future of feminist…

Postulates new way of describing identity development process under oppression using optimal theory. From this optimal worldview, oppression is perceived as self-alienating and yielding a fragmented sense of self, based upon devaluation by self and others. Describes optimal theory as providing new inclusive model of identity development. Describes…

Examines four major assumptions about change (accommodation, hope, truth, divine agent) which undergird Christian counseling. Discusses assumptions' application for therapy and research. Argues lack of careful assumptive reflection among theorists of Christian therapy leads to numerous pragmatic and scientific difficulties, including dearth of…

Notes that client-centered counseling seems to be on the decline in United States. Attempts to explain why this decline is occurring and proposes some ways to revitalize client-centered counseling. Addresses some points made in previous article by Patterson. Notes that counselors owe it to their clients to critically review and continually develop…