Argues that attempts to assess racial identity via single variables trivialize the construct. Suggests that problems with the manner in which the Racial Identity Attitude Scale was used in the Pomales, Claiborn, and LaFromboise (1985) study contributed to possible problems in scale reliability and interpretation. (Author/ABB)

Interviewed C. H. Patterson, spokesperson for client-centered therapy and for counseling itself. Discusses some of the books and articles he has written and their impact on the profession. The interview reviews Patterson's career and focuses on him as a person and as a professional. (JAC)

Offers reactions to critiques of a proposed research model: consensual qualitative research (CQR). Clarifies the meaning of consensus, explicates the representativeness of samples, analyzes the limitations and advantages of self-report data, and explores the nature of truth. Explores theory and verification in CQR and compares CQR to other…

Considers criticisms made in the previous article including the failure to define "applied science," inaccuracy in reporting study results, incorrect use of terminology, and ignoring certain relevant areas of literature. Explores possible motivations for the attacks. (RB)

Reviews Manford A. Sonstegard's place in the development of group counseling, including his early work, his use of Adlerian approaches, and his perspective on current issues, supervision, and training. (KW)

Contends complexity of rehabilitation practices and adjustment processes in individuals will be better encompassed if experimental and multivariate methods are considered part of a spectrum that includes systematic case-study research. Claims recognition of potentialities of full methodological spectrum will yield more comprehensive body of…

Claims since schizophrenia is reversible, professions involved in social control and those doing therapy face new responsibilities. Notes therapists can approach psychotic symptoms expecting the person to become normal. Describes goal as being to help people past periods of acute disturbance without doing them long-term harm. (Author/ABL)

Reviews and applies three broad, diverse theoretical models currently existing within the field to a case study in order to demonstrate their respective strengths and weaknesses. Derives a framework for an integrated-eclectic model from these three positions. Examines future directions that theory building may take. (Author/ABL)

Presents reaction to Hershenson et al.'s article on theory and mental health counseling. Discusses the critical features of conceptual model building in the context of establishing a heuristic, parsimonious, and testable theory of mental health counseling. Explores the importance of the role of theory in practice and research. (Author)

Argues that there are severe and insurmountable problems in attempting to maintain a systemic perspective in family therapy. Advocates decentering family therapy to a more peripheral space within social network perspective. (Author/NB)

Reacts to Martin's (1995) essay concerning scientism in psychotherapy. Contends that the image psychotherapists' present to the public is often quite different from private actions, and that a focus of these private actions might reveal not only a less scientific endeavor, but also a paradigm for future research. (JPS)

Comments on article by Brett N. Steenbarger in which the contextualist themes in counseling are described. Contends language should be put into practice so that research can be conducted to examine the concepts conveyed by language. Notes that in this way the mechanisms of change may be better understood and practitioners may benefit. (Author/ABL)

Counselling with nature (CWN) is an approach based on the law of nature by which everything seeks to survive, to grow, and to be interconnected. CWN incorporates outdoor sensory activities, allowing individuals to use their 53 natural senses (stifled by our predominantly indoor lives) to reconnect to the natural environment. (KS)

Reacts to previous article in which Becvar and Becvar contend that ecosystemic model represents counter-cultural movement, turning point, in mental health field. Finds it sad that, to many helping professionals, ecosystemic approach is still considered revolutionary. Hopes that Becvar and Becvar's article will stimulate continued discussion of…

Presents interview with behavioral ecologist who discusses program concepts for stepfamily dysfunction. Four predictions which focus on stepfamily dynamics are: (1) expect greater conflict in stepfamily environments; (2) understand evolutionary basis of emotions; (3) anticipate flash points of family conflict; and (4) alter criteria for choosing…