Providing a complete overview of art therapy, from theory and research to practical applications, this is the definitive handbook in the field. Leading practitioners demonstrate the nuts and bolts of arts-based intervention with children, adults, families, couples, and groups dealing with a wide range of clinical issues. Rich with illustrative…

Selecting a single psychotherapeutic orientation can be a challenge for counselor education students. The authors examined the relationship between counseling theory selection and personality variables of students enrolled in a counseling theories course. A discriminant function analysis was used to identify the personality traits that would…

Adolescents may be ambivalent about consulting with adults, especially when it seems likely that the adult will take a rigid stance on issues. The focus of this paper is the development of counseling styles that expand the adolescent's world to include understandings and options not previously available. It may be useful to approach counseling…

Surveyed 158 members of American Academy of Psychotherapists in attempt to identify primary users of bibliotherapy, problems for which bibliotherapy seems most applicable, and reading resources that are being used effectively. Found that bibliotherapy was used often, particularly with childrearing skills and sexual dysfunctions. Years of…

Reacts to four cognitive-behavioral therapeutic approaches of systematic desensitization, rational restructuring, anxiety management training, and stress inoculation training, and to previous articles discussing the approaches. Concludes that approaches seem uniquely well-suited to use as part of deliberate psychological education efforts. (NB)

Responds to previous articles discussing counseling techniques of systematic desensitization, anxiety management training, stress inoculation training, and rational restructuring. Raises additional considerations with respect to assessment, technique selection, and technique implementation. (NB)

Observation has indicated that low self-esteem is pervasive in clients with anorexia and bulimia. Possible origins of the self-esteem deficit, its relationship to eating problems, and psychotherapeutic strategies to counteract the deficits are explored. (Author/BL)

This paper explores the supportive and effective uses of improvisation in counseling. Specifically, the intention in this paper is to accomplish three goals: to explore the history of improvisation in psychotherapy, to examine the aspects of improvisation that pertain to the counseling process, and to identify ways in which the use of…

Examines poetry therapy as a healing force for the individual. Discusses poetry therapy as a conduit to draw out inner emotions and feelings of spirit with an emphasis on spiritual and religious values. Argues that personal growth and development of a values system can be enhanced through poetry therapy. (SR)

Present an overview of the field of poetry therapy, discussing definitions, goals, applications, theory, and method (describing a typical session). Notes that this report was originally submitted for testimony on Capitol Hill. (SR)

Uses poems composed by clients to discuss the use of poetry therapy in counseling young people as they explore issues relating to sexual identity. (SR)

Presents a model for using ritual in psychotherapy. Application of the model is illustrated in a case study of a neopagan ritual designed to assist the client in strengthening her sense of self, differentiating from her mother, and making a career decision. Suggests using the Healing Principle Ritual Therapy Model with other belief systems.…

Studied processes and outcomes of psychoanalysis and psychoanalytic psychotherapy. Followed 42 subjects over natural course of treatment, with 100 percent follow-up 2-3 years posttermination. Some follow-ups extended over 30-year study. Psychoanalysis achieved more limited outcomes than predicted; psychotherapies often achieved more than…

Presents case for designation of "ritual" as psychotherapeutic technique for use in maladaptive grieving. Gives examples of attitudes and use of rituals in psychoanalysis, strategic and existential psychotherapies, and pastoral and cross-cultural counseling. Suggests how, when, and why rituals can be used to assist individuals to move…

Responds to Duncan and Solovey's article describing the role of insight in strategic therapy. Considers the importance of self-understanding and insight into how past relationships affect the present to family therapy. Views strategic intervention as an important first step in change, asserting that it must be followed by greater…