Objective: This article describes the validation of the Religious/Spiritually Integrated Process Assessment Scale (RSIPAS) across five helping professions. The RSIPAS was originally developed to measure clinical social workers' self-efficacy, attitudes, perceived feasibility, behaviors, and overall orientation toward integrating clients' religion…

The concept of Japanese Bushido and its seven virtues were introduced by the authors in this article for the practice and application of couple communication. The Bushido Matrix Worksheet (BMW) was created for enhancing couple's awareness and understanding of each other's values and experiences. An activity and a case study to demonstrate the use…

Past research on Black clients' utilization of therapy focused on the barriers that prevent Black clients from attending therapy and the reasons for these barriers. However, few studies have been conducted that focus on how Black clients attending therapy actually experience these barriers. This study utilized both Likert and open-ended questions…

Despite infidelity being a highly traumatic experience, not all couples end their relationship after discovery of the affair. The present study provides insights into the experience of couples who remained together after having experienced infidelity by one partner. Narrative inquiry methods were used to undertake and analyze in-depth interviews…

This article reviews the history and current status of counseling in the Czech Republic. Recommendations for advancement of the profession in a postcommunist era are offered, including the incorporation of social justice principals for the benefit of Gypsies and immigrants, collaboration between Czech and non-Czech counselors, and counseling…

Describes and evaluates five comprehensive premarital assessment questionnaires that can be used in high school, university, and church settings by family life educators and premarital counselors. Major premarital assessments reviewed vary in coverage of premarital factors, number of items, and cost. These factors must be considered by counselors…

Describes and evaluates text focusing on assisting heterosexual couples to improve communication skills. Author perspective is primarily behavioral and cognitive behavioral research and practice. Suggests that material is well presented and ideally suited for beginners whereas solid research base will appeal to professionals. Includes structured…

Reviews literature on complex ethical and legal issues that may arise in counseling families (defining the client, welfare and rights of individuals versus those of family system, informed consent and manipulative therapeutic techniques, family members who refuse to participate, confidentiality, and family values). Concludes with specific…

Treatment of the divorced father usually follows four phases. The first phase deals with the immediate crisis of separation. The second centers on the experience of loss and dependency needs. Phase three examines beliefs, values, and social realities. Phase four focuses on issues of parenthood. There is considerable overlap. (Author)

Replicates Bergin's (1985) research involving religious values and beliefs and their relationship to counseling. Differences were found in each of 10 belief areas on 10 values areas between the total sample in both studies. Within-group differences revealed greater similarities among professional counselors, social workers, and marriage/family…

Explores whether marital relationships of doctoral students are affected while they are in graduate school. Results show no significant differences among the marital satisfaction of graduate students at different stages in their program. Differences were found with couples involved in marital therapy. Spouses of graduate students reported less…

Cultural sensitivity, cultural relativism, and the cultural defense are defined and described. Each concept is addressed in terms of its relationship to couple and family counseling. The role of counselor must be broadened and deepened to include the role of cultural broker. (Author/EMK)

Two marriage counseling approaches were explored: (1) couples received counseling one hour per week for an indefinite time period; (2) couples were seen two hours biweekly for five visits. Couples receiving biweekly counseling reported more satisfaction and optimism and tended to be more committed to the counseling relationship. (DS)

Couples whose early wounds cause narcissistic and borderline defenses may benefit from treatment with a psychodynamically oriented couples therapist. This article presents a treatment method that helps partners become attuned to each other's underlying injuries and vulnerabilities. The goal is to rebuild damaged structures of the self and to…

A case study of Relationship Enhancement (RE) therapy with a couple, in which the woman was identified as having vaginismus, is presented including excerpts of transcripts from the therapy sessions. RE's effectiveness at improving communication skills and providing structure in which the couple could discuss the intimate issues affecting the…