Objections to Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) may be based on the predominance of the personality type in the counseling profession dubbed "tender mindedness." The dichotomy between the "tough minded" and the "tender minded" may suggest the reasons for its acceptance among some and rejection by others. The…

Describes the author's spiritual path from the perspective of a person who was raised in a Buddhist tradition and trained in a Western mental health profession. Presents a foundation for the Buddhist concept of mental health and discusses the relationship among counseling, Western developmental theory, and the development of a spiritual path.…

Responds to D. A. Helminiak's (2001) article, focusing particularly on his argument for secular spirituality and his inherent biases in discussing the nature and existence of spirituality. Argues that all spiritual conceptions have theological implications, and that theology pervades the theory and practice of all psychotherapists, whether or not…

Filters or sources of distortion inherent in the counselor culture can diminish the counselor's ability to understand a person asking for help. A counselor's role, theoretical orientation, work context, and personal experience influence the interaction between counselor and client so that the client may not be the center of the counseling process.…

Defines existentialism, culture, and cross-cultural counseling and explains how various existential concepts can serve as guidelines for cross-cultural counseling. Advocates finding approach to help counselors and counselor trainees understand how their own cultural identities affect their ability to help culturally different clients. (NB)

Advocates the human science perspective in achieving methodological balance in counseling research. Presents a perspective on the meaning, structure, and content of the human science orientation; identifies and illuminates selected qualities of "being" and of "mind" related to human science research competence; suggests possibilities for the…

Discusses nature and complexity, meaning, and function of values, their presence in the family therapist in the family treatment, and consequences for treatment of the interplay between those two value systems. A brief conceptualization of values is offered and vignettes illustrate the theoretical and methodological issues raised. (Author)

This paper provides some definitions of the components of prejudice, including aspects of counselor prejudice. The paper contends that counselors should use this definition to increase awareness of their own feelings, attitudes, and behaviors associated with levels of prejudice. Since these prejudices can influence counselors' belief systems,…

Albert Ellis is one of counseling's most prolific authors, mostly on the topic of Rational Emotive Therapy. He has been a moving force in the cognitive behavior movement. In this interview Ellis discusses his theory and its application, and aspects of his personal and family life. (Author)

Discusses the growth and evolution of the mental health counseling profession, including the impact of various professional associations. Examines the changing roles of the mental health counselor, identity and ethical issues, private practice, reimbursement, and training. Presents an optimistic view of the profession's future, but encourages…

Comments on Weikel and Palmo's article and discusses critical issues for future of mental health counseling: (1) identity of mental health counseling; (2) its relationship to other helping professions; and (3) distinctive nature of practice of mental health counseling. Argues a psychoeducational and developmental focus may be critical for specific…

Adherence to a variety of conceptual frameworks in psychological treatment has resulted in technical and theoretical eclecticism. Therapy techniques have become reduced to a set of tactics in which the therapist juggles conceptual frameworks in an attempt to maximize constructive behavior change. The practitioner must conceptualize his therapeutic…

Dysfunction occurs when one person's behavior has control over others or when one person allows others to control him/her through the use of manipulative rules accompanied by self-defeating behaviors in the emotional, psychological, or behavioral realms. Examples of people who are dysfunctional among student services personnel include the person…

This monograph on the status of guidance and counseling in the United States is taken from the author's 1982 testimony to the Subcommittee on Education, Arts, and Humanities of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee. International and national perspectives on guidance and counseling are addressed, and geographic differences in guidance and…

The central theme of this paper is that, as practitioners, career counselors must both watch things and make things happen in their own lives, and really practice what they preach in order to truly inspire and energize their clients. This paper explores three things: the elements of Working, Learning, Playing, and Giving and the way they fit…