Depression is defined as a "whole-body" illness, involving the body, mood, and thoughts. Three of the most prevalent types of depressive disorders are described: major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disorders (formerly called manic-depressive illness). Eleven symptoms of depression and 10 symptoms of mania are listed. Causes of depression are…

The structural model of positive and negative cognition derives from principles of information processing, intrapersonal communication, and cybernetic self-regulation. The model proposes five distinct states of mind quantitatively defined by the proportion of positive to total cognition. A positive dialogue with a set point proportion of .618 plus…

Techniques of cognitive behavior modification such as cognitive restructuring have recently been employed in behavior therapy. Other procedures which fall within the approach of cognitive behavior therapy are techniques such as paradoxical intention which are subsumed under the title of logotherapy. Logotherapy refers to a form of psychotherapy or…

The crisis hotline was probably the earliest use of the telephone for counseling purposes, begun in the 1960s as a suicide prevention service. Crisis counseling is designed to be therapeutic and to result in insight. The telephone has come to be used in a variety of ways for more traditional therapy which differs in basic assumptions and focus…

Examines the psychological implications of the migratory process on Latin American women in the United States, addressing issues of gender roles, acculturation, language, loss, and grief, that are frequently presented by Latinas in psychotherapy. Interprets these issues as reflective of stresses created by the migratory process, and suggests ways…

Describes characteristics of borderline adolescents and reviews diagnostic issues. Uses two case studies to illustrate general treatment strategies that could be useful to clinicians in mental health programs and family courts. (JAC)

A clinical case of penile obsession and compulsive hypersexuality is interpreted from four different theoretical frameworks--psychoanalysis, behaviorism, Bowen-type multigenerational therapy, and structural/strategic systems theory--to illustrate how conceptual frameworks implicitly or explicitly underlie all therapeutic approaches. Implications…

Considers three areas with special relevance to liability and child therapy: informed consent, confidentiality, and child-abuse reporting laws. In each area, issues that may be confronted in therapy or research on therapy are discussed, and sampling of relevant laws is explored. Considers suggestions for avoiding potential liability and protecting…

Notes that smaller than expected main effects in psychotherapy research are often attributed to mismatches between clients and treatment. Examines issues in aptitude-treatment interaction (ATI) research in psychotherapy, including Type II and Type III errors, manipulation checks from both patient and practitioner perspectives, considerations of…

This document presents a definition and description of anorexia nervosa as a disorder that occurs predominantly in girls and that can affect 1 out of every 250 girls between the ages of 12 and 18 years. The existence of a distorted mental body image among anorexics is discussed and symptoms of the disorder are described, including amenorrhea…

This booklet describes Houston's Systemic Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP), an outpatient-based program for adolescents who have attempted suicide, used during the suicidal crisis period and based on the premise that children need a healthy kin system to serve as a buffer to the all too frequent crises of adolescence. The introduction presents…

This paper describes the development of Allo-Centered (altruistic other-centered) Psychotherapy, an other-centered form of counseling which aims to redirect the client's orientation from self to others. It is noted that this approach is also suitable for clients from group-oriented cultures such as Asians, Pacific Islanders, or Latin Americans.…

Reviews investigations attempting to manipulate clients' expectations for counseling or psychotherapy. Describes and evaluates six strategies used in attempting expectancy manipulation, none with significant success. Audiotaped and videotaped interventions proved most effective, verbal interactions ineffective, and printed documents of dubious…

Uses a case study to show how a therapist can help a family by breaking their loops of preferential behaviors. Describes a systemic approach that helps prevent families from using the same feedback loops that lead to dead-ends in their behavior. (JAC)

Details the structure and content of an introductory family therapy course offered in an academic department. The parallel processes between teaching and therapy are used as a metaphor for the presentation of the course. Joining, restructuring, and consolidation are defined as the three stages of the course. (Author)