A majority indicated multiple-school allegiances and did not believe that a one-school approach is most effective. However, the therapeutic attitudes and practices of these therapists strongly followed lines of primary school allegiance. (Author)

Supports marital enrichment as an effective intervention technique with couples. Linear letters can enhance the enrichment process and can be assessed more effectively by the instruments used to measure change in this study than can change induced through the paradoxical letters. (Author)

Therapists responded to a videotaped simulated family as if they were treating it. Positive relationships were found between the ratings of expertise based on the coding system, and between independent ratings of the treated families' satisfaction with treatment and the status of the presenting symptoms six months after termination. (Author)

Examines transference issues over a nine-month period between a white, female counselor and a black, male client. Attempts to show the positive effects that may come about through a non-ethnic- and non-gender-matched, counselor-client dyad and subsequent benefits to clients of counselor similarity and difference. (RJM)

Describes a short-term, strategic, solution-focused self-esteem group in an outpatient mental health setting. Discusses constructs that form foundations of both strategic and group therapies. Training, supervision, and outcome issues arising from integrating the two therapies are addressed. (Author/NB)

Critically reviews clinical outcome literature on efficacy of paradoxical interventions in psychotherapy over last seven years. Examines studies under headings of paradoxical intention studies, symptom prescription studies, and reframing studies. Concludes with general evaluation of current standing of paradoxical interventions and calls for…

Clients (n=34) with unresolved feelings related to a significant other were randomly assigned to either experiential "empty chair" dialogue intervention or a psychoeducational group offering information about "unfinished business." Treatment outcomes were evaluated before and after the treatment period. Results indicated that…

Describes how, through oral story telling, writing biographies, autobiographies and creating fictional characters, adults with mental illness were gently directed to focus and explore one significant person or period of their own lives, to develop their sense of self and ego strengths, and to connect to important others in their lives. (SR)

Examines the current usage of Western counseling and psychotherapeutic models with a special emphasis on the local realities of Turkish culture. Reviews the current status of the application of Western models along with the related practices in Turkish clinical and nonclinical settings. Stresses the role of the Turkish counselor within the…

Offers brief descriptions of 16 films (1936-1994)--biographies of classical composers--that are available in video format. Notes their usefulness to therapists working with special populations. (SR)

Describes the use of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) for working with children who present with mental health problems in the school setting. SFBT eschews a pathology-based model of mental health, focusing instead on the client's strengths and desire to change. Describes the techniques and application of SFBT and discusses the prevalence of…

Responds to D. A. Helminiak's (2001) article, focusing particularly on his argument for secular spirituality and his inherent biases in discussing the nature and existence of spirituality. Argues that all spiritual conceptions have theological implications, and that theology pervades the theory and practice of all psychotherapists, whether or not…

Describes a technique of video-taping interactions between children and foster parents for use in counseling sessions to improve the parent child relationship. (HTH)

Suggests the film "The Piano" reflects themes addressed in the fairy tales "The Little Mermaid,""Bluebeard," and "The Handless Maiden." Demonstrates how the film can be used with clients to address archetypal motifs of silence, betrayal, and the search for a voice. Discusses the film's symbolism using a…

Psychosocial treatment options are nearly as broad as the behavioral problems that they address. With literally hundreds of treatment approaches available, how should clinicians select the most appropriate and effective intervention? One way is to consider using only those treatments with evidence of therapeutic efficacy. Indeed, funding agencies…