In therapy the communication of empathic understanding to the client is one of the most difficult and crucial aspects of the treatment process. The authors describe a technique which challenges the therapist to actively listen, fantasize, and offer evidence of understanding in an intelligible manner. (Author)

The generally held hypothesis that a client will be more verbally accessible if she thinks her interviewer is like herself was not supported. In fact, the opposite was significantly true. The authors discuss possible reasons for the unexpected results they obtained. (SE)

More than a language barrier separates the Spanish-speaking client from the counselor. The authors discuss the cultural characteristics implicit in the Hispanic tradition that may diminish the effectiveness of Chicana counselors. (Author)

Studied social workers' perceptions of group dimensions that had negative effects on members. Found that group leaders viewed group composition as a major source of harmful interaction while members and observers saw group norms as a more frequent cause of negative effects. (Author/JAC)