Presents and evaluates four systematic eclectic models of psychotherapy: Beutler's eclectic psychotherapy; Howard, Nance, and Myers' adaptive counseling and therapy; Lazarus' multimodal therapy; and Prochaska and DiClemente's transtheoretical approach. Examines support for these models and makes conceptual and empirical recommendations.…

Offers an overview of the root metaphors and philosophical assumptions associated with formism, mechanism, contextualism, and organicism, the four world views described in Pepper's 1942 philosophical treatise and his presentation of root metaphor theory. Examines recent and historical trends of development in counseling theory and practice within…

Proposes that concepts of causality and power are compatible with systemic paradigm based on cybernetics of Ashby rather than that of Bateson. Criticizes Bateson's repudiation of causality and power; addresses related Batesonian biases against "quantity" and "logic." Contrasts relevant aspects of Ashby's cybernetic theory with…

Underscores differences among unsystematic eclecticism, theoretical integrationism, and technical eclecticism. Present brief case history to demonstrate how and why combination of theories and smorgasbord conception of eclecticism yields clinical confusion rather than therapeutic precision. Explains why atheoretical or mechanistic procedures must…

Discusses Earl Ginter's challenge to the mental health profession to reexamine the status of counseling theory. Describes the author's journey in selecting rational-emotive therapy as his theory of choice and the role its selection has played. Presents information about discrepancy identification, a process that helps mental health counselors…

Discusses the relationship of the symbolic content of dreams to the theory of the dream in psychoanalysis and Gestalt therapy. Points out that the utility of the dream depends upon the techniques of the therapist and not on the validity of the underlying theory of the dream. (LLL)

Discusses the therapeutic process inherent in the work of Virginia Satir. Major conceptualizations and interventions are explored, including historical background; philosophical assumptions; basic operational principles; therapeutic goals; and basic techniques. (BH)

Reviews the trend in health care toward increasing levels of specialization and draws a distinction between specialization and reductionism. A theory of holistic counseling is derived from social learning and transpersonal psychology. (Author)

Discusses debate concerning status of counseling as a unique specialization. Hypothesizes that the counseling specialty is distinguished by its reliance on a developmental metatheory, which makes unique assumptions regarding distress, change, and the helping process. Proposes that the value of developmentalism and the counseling speciality are…

Traces roots of feminist therapy and its independence from traditional and prevalent theories and therapy practices. Asserts that Freudian theory and humanistic assumptions are sexist and contribute to powerlessness of women. In contrast, feminist therapy is seen as dealing directly with client-counselor relationships, trust, advocacy, and…

Considers whether or not intervention and strategy are necessary components of competent therapy. Sees passive listening and expert interpretations as consequences of psychodynamic theory; active manipulation of social structure and strategic intervention into feedback as consequences of mechanical assumptions of structural and cybernetic theory;…

Discusses history of demise of meditation in West and reemergence as Eastern system. Explores reasons for this phenomenon. Discusses differences between Eastern and Western meditation, psychology of meditation, research, and applications of meditation to counseling. Concludes meditation may be used as an integral part of pastoral counseling…

Using American Psychological Association Division 17 position paper on cross-cultural counseling competencies as organizing framework, provides overview of various cross-cultural counseling training models and points to need to go beyond sensitivity training to actually providing culture-specific knowledge in training models. Presents…

Defines the traditional psychological worldview and the emergent systemic worldview in counseling theory. Contrasts hegemonic (predominant) and counterhegemonic (emergent and competitive) viewpoints in counseling theory. The two counseling worldviews are described as presenting distinct roles for professional counselors with respect to assessment,…

Describes extension of strategic therapy model that enables selective application of content and techniques from both individual and family therapy approaches. Illustrates through three case examples process-oriented, constructivist rationale for eclectic strategic practice as well as a more collaborative and relationship-oriented perspective of…