Multicultural therapist training is greatly based on the competency areas of knowledge, skills, and awareness (Arredondo et al., 1996; Arredondo et al., 2005; Sue et al., 1982; Sue et al., 1992). Developing therapists' awareness of their own assumptions, values, and biases, has shown to be a complicated and elusive process (Collins & Pieterse,…

The purpose of this article is to illustrate how theory and particularly the theoretical perspective of social constructionism can influence the ways in which scholars conduct qualitative research studies in the area of family systems. The authors argue for the importance of theory in qualitative research projects and promote researchers' clear…

Argues that the family and the enterprise of family therapy are social systems and under the influence of the ideology particular to a given society. The strategic family therapy treatment of a family with a drug-addicted member serves as an example to clarify the ideological themes of contemporary family therapy. (Author/BL)

Presents a cybernetic view of brief family therapy. Includes a historical discussion of the key ideas underlying brief family therapy, a cybernetic model of therapeutic change, and a clinical case for exemplification. (Author/JAC)

Describes the process of how counseling theory is constructed in the classroom, deconstructed in the workplace, and then reconstructed to meet the unique needs of individual counselors. Marital and family counselor educators and students can both benefit from knowledge about this process. (Author/MKA)

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)

Proposes an integration of the use of symbols and metaphors that illustrates nonlinear dynamics through a case example weaving together contemporary science and human development in the context of family therapy. Discusses areas of future study. (Author/MKA)

Therapist describes work with a family troubled about the behavior of a preadolescent daughter. Through the session the group is able to discuss the sexual fantasies and child-play that have occurred, and each member is better able to open up to the others. Relationships improve. (CJ)

Claims the diverse field of family therapy will be better served if the major theory underlying a clinical model is identified clearly and various techniques are integrated into it on a systematic basis. Proposes that the specification of the underlying causality and objectives inherent in a theoretical model will accomplish this. (Author/MKA)

Provides an overview for understanding the application of a structural-strategic family counseling model to school-based family counseling. Presents examples from a case study with a six-year-old boy experiencing behavior problems in school, which occurred as problems escalated between his mother and grandmother. Several implications are discussed…

The assessment process can be integrated with treatment and evaluation for helping teenage suicide attempters and families in short term psychiatric hospitalization programs. The method is an extremely efficient way for the therapist to work within a given time constraint. During family assessment sufficient information can be gathered to…

Using a case example, provides an overview of postmodern therapies in family counseling. Focuses on solution-focused therapy and narrative therapy; presents an example of a solution-focused interview and a narrative interview. Emphasizes that different views lead to different therapeutic goals and practices. (RJM)

This paper explores the history of deconstruction and discusses the use of the theories it involves within the author's work in family therapy situations. Jacques Derrida's term, deconstruction, has achieved widespread use among psychotherapists. This derives largely from the influence of Michael White, who has interpreted it in a Foucauldian way…

Presents a general model for the assessment of the problem maintenance process for family problems. Case studies demonstrate the model's use with symptomatic spouse, symptomatic child, and conflictual couple problems. Implications of the model for clinical practice are also discussed. (Author/JAC)

Discusses the competencies basic to Adlerian therapy--including influencing psychological movement, working with the family communication system, focusing on the real issue, aligning goals and dealing with resistance, stimulating social interest, encouragement, and tentative hypotheses, and antisuggestion. A specific process for helping the family…