The authors examine eating disorders through the conceptual framework of relational cultural theory (RCT). Taking into account the importance of relationships and connection, it is suggested that RCT may be a useful lens for conceptualizing and working with people who are experiencing eating disorders. Ways that RCT can be applied to enhance…

This article explores the impact of postmodernism on counseling theory and practice. First, it provides an overview of theoretical frameworks of postmodernism. Next, it examines the effects of postmodernism on counseling theories and modalities. Then, it identifies the strengths and limitations of postmodern counseling and points out that one way…

Theories of counseling process are founded on a logical contradiction in that they are simultaneously objectivist and constructivist in nature. Because this epistemic tension is present across diverse theories and has persisted throughout the history of counseling theorizing, the author argues that it has implications for the structure of human…

Wellness conceptualized as "the" paradigm for counseling provides strength-based strategies for assessing clients, conceptualizing issues developmentally, and planning interventions to remediate dysfunction and optimize growth. Wellness counseling models have stimulated significant research that helps to form the evidence base for practice in the…

Counselling can be seen as a context or process for meaning-making where clients and counsellors actively interpret and construct meaning. We examine meaning-making in counselling through the lenses of three research methods: (a) discourse analysis, (b) hermeneutic-phenomenology, and (c) autoethnography. Specifically, we relate the process and…

Within the context of the growing development of intercultural counsellor education, the question of how different cultures reconceptualize and transform Western counselling theories for their own context is an important one. In this intercultural exchange in education, concepts such as "globalization", "indigenization" and…

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…

It is important to understand causes and consequences of procrastination that appear common among general and academic populations. Procrastination affects people in various domains of life such as academic, professional, social relationships, and finance management. A person with high procrastination may lose his/her work, drop out from school,…

Selecting a single psychotherapeutic orientation can be a challenge for counselor education students. The authors examined the relationship between counseling theory selection and personality variables of students enrolled in a counseling theories course. A discriminant function analysis was used to identify the personality traits that would…

Multicultural counseling theories, developed over the last 35 years, have elucidated the experiences of marginalized populations--women, people of color, gay men and lesbians, working-class people, people with disabilities, and other stigmatized groups--within a sociopolitical context that is embedded with negative messages about their worth.…

The "Journal of Counseling & Development" ("JCD") is the principal journal of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and is considered as the premier counseling journal in the world. The Research section of JCD is devoted primarily to publishing empirical investigations related to counseling theory and methods, counselor training and education,…

Systematically reviewed the current status of outcome research. Specifically looked at trends in the publications sources, research focus, and methods of 365 counseling outcome studies. Results suggest that outcome research can provide a considerable knowledge base regarding numerous client concerns and various clinical interventions in…

Discusses challenges posed by reflexivity and the problem of unconsciousness. Argues that reflexivity demands scrutiny and articulation of the verbal, non-verbal and contextual components that define a particular research project. Presents examples of qualitative methods and the diverse approaches from which they proceed. (RJM)

Despite the reduction of overt heterosexist biases in the psychological literature, questions exist about the content and methodology of articles on lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) issues in the counseling literature. This study provides a content and methodological analysis of 119 LGB-related articles that were published in eight major…

Contends that child and adolescent clinicians should consider the contributions of a constructivist developmental framework. Reviews a constructivist developmental model for counseling adolescents. Highlights developmental theory and therapy within the context of the mental health needs of adolescents experiencing aberrant behaviors and/or…