Discusses several strengths and weaknesses of the behavioral approach in psychotherapy. Possible remediation of some of the weaknesses are explored through integration of contributions from client-centered or psychodynamic approaches. Risks associated with an integrated model of psychotherapy are considered. (Author)

Examines the major principles and goals of contextual therapy and methods employed in its clinical application. A second article presents an interview with Dr. Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy, who developed contextual family therapy. The interview ranges from Dr. Nagy's early training to the theoretical and clinical foundations of contextual family therapy.…

This paper discusses the "Positive Uncertainty" career decision making strategy, which came into being in 1989. The author suggests that Positive Uncertainty is relevant for individuals struggling to make decisions about their careers, relationships, retirement, life, and more. It is also relevant for career coaches, executive coaches,…

The complexity of today's global realities can be overwhelming and result in profound feelings of chaos. While technology has brought great advancements, it has also brought unprecedented rates of change, job loss, a growing disparity is the socio-economic status of individuals, and a shrinking world in which people representing diverse cultures,…

Illuminates a collaborative effort between the author and Dr. Arnold A. Lazarus, an internationally known presenter, author, and therapist. Many consider Lazarus to be a pioneer of behavior therapy and brief psychotherapy. Presents details about his unique perspective regarding therapy with couples and families. Provides case examples that…

Discusses research issues in childhood depression including advantages/disadvantages of research designs, level of diagnosis used, significance of age of onset on severity, and specific areas of needed research. Concludes that many depressive symptoms are transient, diminishing or disappearing with age and/or changing environmental circumstances,…

The people of the generation referred to as "baby boomers" are often involved in spiritual examination. These people are important to counselors because one of their common characteristics is a valuing of psychotherapy and self-help. As counselors, understanding a client's belief system provides very important information in offering interventions…

Responds to earlier article by Carolyn Zerbe Enns on feminist counseling and psychotherapy, noting that Enns could have elaborated on what the challenge of multiculturalism meant for the future of feminist therapy and counseling. Asserts that tendency to overgeneralize from data and information gathered from experience of white women continues for…

Illustrating three instances he encountered here in the United States, the Chinese counselor argues that American counseling is deeply rooted in rugged individualism, and often at the expense of the family and community. The suitability of American counseling for other cultures is thus questioned. (Author/NB)

Attempts to redefine multicultural counseling using Afrocentric, holistic, optimal theory that views individuals as unique manifestations of spirit, thus sharing a common core. Viewing all counseling as multicultural, reconceptualizes multicultural counseling competencies as fundamental counseling skills achieved through self-knowledge and shift…

Comments on article by Brett N. Steenbarger in which the contextualist themes in counseling are described. Contends Steenberger recognizes and validates importance of considering cultural diversity in human development. Makes case for stage theories that do incorporate contextualist themes. (ABL)

Drawing on social constructionism, presents a clinical model for mental health counseling called solution-focused counseling (SFC). SFC is distinguished from rational emotive behavior therapy in that SFC is presented as a process or framework for change rather than as a content to be learned. (EMK)

How counselor intentions function within the process of counseling is explored. Counselor intentions are discussed within the framework of the cognitive mediational paradigm. Implications of the use of counselor intentions for the training of beginning counselors are also delineated. (Author/EMK)

Seeks to clarify how therapists' preferences for certain techniques relate to theoretical orientation as a commentary on Poznanski and McLennan's (1995) article. Suggests reasons for the slow pace of research on multi-item self-report measures of theoretical orientation, and an alternative measurement approach. (JPS)

Expresses the author's personal view of evil as considered by psychotherapeutic theories. Challenges the psychotherapeutic tendency to avoid the moral and existential dimensions of evil via the transformative language of psychopathology that allows practitioners to rely upon metaphors of disease or immaturity. Presents an inter-psychic viewpoint…