Contends that identity is constituted differently depending on the culture of origin. Against backdrop of U.S. individualism, explores cultural relativity of identity and pseudospeciation (false sense of cultural specialness). Notes that this literature grounds prejudice in evolution itself and provides reasons for movement beyond individualism to…

Considers it imperative that counselors engaged in multicultural counseling have understanding of what is meant by culture. Suggests that philosophical assumptions underlying worldview, the deep structure of culture, provide framework for better understanding cultural differences. Contends that viewing culture from this holistic perspective…

Introduces special journal issue on ecosystemic mental health counseling, defining ecosystemic thinking as thinking that recognizes indivisible interconnectedness of individual, family, and sociocultural context. Contends that ecosystemic mental health counseling enlarges the field of inquiry and interventions and leads to depth perception and…

Examines methods that are designed to expand and transform consciousness and argues that aspects of transpersonal psychology form the basis for the investigation of rituals, spiritual disciplines, and techniques that provoke shifts in awareness and energy. Outlines a psychosynthesis model for understanding these experiences, and presents a program…

Draws a distinction between the concepts of personal growth and personal development through a linguistic analysis. Argues that the difference is vital in counselor training, where the emphasis should necessarily be on those aspects of personal development that are relevant to specific training objectives and client needs, rather than on the more…

The theoretical explication of the meaning of relationships in women's lives by researchers at the Stone Center for Developmental Services at Wellesley College brings a rich dimension to the topic of women mentoring women. Rather than trying to understand the development of a "separate self," the Stone Center group has been exploring the…

There is currently a strong interest in brief psychodynamic therapy. Therapists adopting this approach need to become familiar with different character or personality styles. The psychodynamic therapist who understands and works in conjunction with the client's particular character style will be able to establish a therapeutic relationship more…

There is a need for a counseling theory that explains and predicts the behavior and activities of all persons. There is an unfulfilled promise of counseling for many persons in this society. Three major criticisms related to the traditional counseling role and process include criticisms of the intrapsychic counseling model, how counseling…

The Integrated Developmental Model (IDM) of supervision builds upon previous models of counselor and psychotherapist development. The IDM incorporates aspects of both a mechanistic view, using the machine as metaphor, and an organismic view, using the organism as metaphor, of development in describing trainee development through three levels and…

Assists counselor educators, supervisors, and practicing counselors to determine conditions under which high technology alone, high touch alone (based on empathic interpersonal skills), or the purposeful combination of the two may be the preferred mode of treatment. Stresses the need for counselor education programs. (LLL)

Suggests a device for bridging the gap between counseling theory and technique. Cognitive development theory provides the basis for understanding a single transaction between counselor and client. The acronyms FACTS and CRACKS suggest the structural dynamics within the client's cognitive field as the counselor performs in two counseling…

Examines the major principles and goals of contextual therapy and methods employed in its clinical application. A second article presents an interview with Dr. Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy, who developed contextual family therapy. The interview ranges from Dr. Nagy's early training to the theoretical and clinical foundations of contextual family therapy.…

Makes a theoretical comparison between Adlerian and analytic formulations of family assessment in a case study involving a recently divorced couple and a child with encopresis. Discussed the family relationship in terms of object relations theory emphasizing intrapsychic experience, and Adlerian theory emphasizing the purposes of behavior. (JAC)

Shows how counselor educators may use the multimodal approach of Lazarus to provide students with a conceptual framework for integrating and evaluating various counseling theories and making systematic choices about appropriate interventions for their clients. (Author)

Reflects on contributions of Milton H. Erickson from which modern mind-body counseling interventions originate using Beatrice Wright's principles of attention to individual needs, respect for situational complexities, and flexibility. Includes strategies to develop rapport, therapeutic use of imagery, reframing, and other paradoxical techniques…