Examines the complementarity of three often-used theories in family research: social exchange theory, symbolic interactionism, and conflict theory. Provides a case example in which a multiple perspective is applied to a problem of marital discord. Discusses implications for the clinician. (Author/WAS)

Presents primary source documentation highlighting the similarities between Alfred Adler's social interest construct and the counselor-oriented core conditions of Carl Rogers. Implications of the similarities are discussed. (Author)

Briefly reviews the literature on infertility and its emotional, physical, existential, and relational effects on individuals, couples, and families. Life crisis and biopsychosocial theories are discussed as they apply to persons struggling with infertility issues. In addition, stage models derived from a biopsychosocial perspective are presented.…

In this conceptual article, the author proposes the adoption of an integrative theoretical style to counseling the chemically dependent that includes humanistic, phenomenological, systematic, and technical approaches. The integration of approaches is explained with appropriate descriptions to facilitate practitioners' use of the model. (Contains…

This article affirms that Adlerian therapy--both explicitly and implicitly--is a relational constructivist approach, and consequently may serve as an integrative bridge between cognitive constructivist and social constructivist therapies. Both theory and practice issues are discussed. (Contains 85 references.) (GCP)

Relationship Enhancement (RE) therapy can be a useful intervention for adolescents with serious mental illness and their family members. This article reviews the basic concepts and effectiveness of RE therapy and illustrates how it is implemented. Presents a case example and discusses implications for research and mental health counseling.…

Defines and discusses two constructs of complexity and balance in the context of traditional counseling theory as well as in the multicultural context. Identifies and discusses 20 examples of observable and potentially measurable counselor behaviors indicating complexity and balance. Discusses implications of cultural differences for defining good…

Challenges Russell and Morrill's (1989) assertion that a practical blending of Rational Emotive Therapy (RET) and systemic family therapy is possible. Cautions that a connection between these approaches be made only with an appreciation and respect for these schools' epistemological differences and correspondingly disparate cognitive change…

Although existential counseling offers an insightful and sobering perspective on the human condition, its complex and technical explanations have caused it to be inaccessible to counseling professionals. In an interview, Vontress explains the basic concepts in simple language and describes the personal journey that led him to adopt this…

Considers arguments that William Erchul (1999) presented in response to the author's literature review (Gutkin, 1999) of collaborative versus directive consultation. Identifies and analyzes critical points of agreement and disagreement. Presents an expanded model of "rapprochement" in response to Erchul's recommendation to incorporate the dyadic…

The purposes of the present study were to determine if (a) students trained to demonstrate specific skills learn these skills and transfer them to actual counseling sessions; (b) mastery of counseling skills differs by students' adherence to one of four general counseling theories; (c) mastery of counseling skills is related to counseling goal…

Sometimes, it is difficult for a profession to move forward because its members interpret emerging conceptual models from the perspective of old frameworks. Each of the five reactants in this issue of "The Counseling Psychologist" interpreted the strength-based counseling model within their own self-adopted framework--Adlerian psychology, role…

The six chapters of this book on family counseling and therapy focus on healthy family functioning; marriage and family counseling theories; the practice of marriage and family counseling; training marriage and family counselors/therapists; issues and topics in family therapy; and images and projections for the future. The 33 articles distributed…

Positive Uncertainty is a flexible, ambidextrous approach to managing change, which encourages the use of both the rational and intuitive mind, and incorporates techniques for both making up one's mind and changing it. Positive Uncertainty, as a new philosophy for counseling, will require a paradigm shift for counselors. It is possible that a new…

Many of the difficulties experienced by men in group psychotherapy are inherent in their socialization process that brings about male gender role expectations. The need to be continually competitive, autonomous, unemotional, strong, in control of oneself and of others, dominant, and action-achievement-solution oriented can, unless reframed, work…