Explores the experience of psychotherapists (N=100) working with suicidal patients. Findings indicate that suicidal patients can evoke intense feelings within the therapist. Commonly mentioned responses include feelings of hopelessness and helplessness and a sense of failure. Outlines measures vital to the support of therapists and discusses the…

Hakoniwa (ha ko ne wa), or Sandplay therapy, is an action-oriented and artistic psychotherapy practiced in Japan and the West. In contrast to most Western psychotherapies, which emphasize verbal and direct expression, linear and cause-effect thinking, and a distinction between physical and mental well-being, Hakoniwa makes significant use of…

This article reports the results of a qualitative field study of the ethnotherapeutic treatment practices of "curanderos," the practitioners of traditional Mexican medicine, and their effectiveness in the treatment of mental illness. Three healers and their patients from the southwestern state of Oaxaca participated in the study. The…

The medical director of the Kibbutz Child and Family Clinic (Tel Aviv, Israel) reviews developmental patterns as well as the incidence and nature of emotional disorders of 3,000 3-to 18-year-old Kibbutz children referred to the clinic during 20 years. (MC)

Investigated the differential effect of two kinds of behavior simulation (role-playing) interventions: spontaneous and mimetic-pretend, on the readiness and the responsibility attributions associated with delivering electric shocks to others (N=25). Results showed that the spontaneous subjects were more ego-oriented and inhibited in administering…

Describes a method for systematically recording the process of family therapy (the Focal Therapy Record Sheet), which demands a conceptual distinction between assessment of families and treatment techniques. A detailed case illustration showing the sheets completed for each of 14 sessions after two diagnostic interviews is provided. (Author/JAC)

Studied the process of child psychotherapy by means of analyses of client verbal behaviors. Analyses of variables demonstrated the nature of each client's verbal responding as well as their pattern of change. Summarized the overall verbal response behavior of each client best through the factor analyses. (Author)

Reviews several scales used to evaluate competency of psychotherapists. Discusses concerns about interrater reliability and predictive validity of scales. Considers competency a state-like variable, with therapists demonstrating higher competence when they skillfully treat patients across range of difficulty levels. Contends that development of…

In review of 19 clinically relevant comparative outcome studies published 1978-88, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) was evaluated as to overall effects, differential effects, and moderating effects vis-a-vis no-treatment controls and alternative psychotherapies, respectively. Overall, STPP was superior to controls at posttreatment,…

A week-long residential program in the United Kingdom combines ritual with psychotherapy to assist men in coming to terms with the meaning of masculinity. The program recognizes no fixed notion of manhood, but aims to support each man as he finds within himself, and marks with ritual, the next step in his unique journey. (TD)

This study extended client-focused research by using the nearest neighbor (NN) approach, a client-specific sampling and prediction strategy derived from research on alpine avalanches. Psychotherapy clients (N = 203) seen in routine practice settings in the United Kingdom completed a battery of intake measures and then completed symptom intensity…

The largest single incident of the Northern Ireland conflict took place in Omagh on 15 August 1998 when a car bomb exploded in the town centre killing 29 people in addition to two children (unborn twins). Four hundred were injured, 135 were hospitalised and 26 families were bereaved. The Community Trauma and Recovery Team was established following…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of two different admission procedures (high school grades/scholastic aptitude test (SAT) versus high school grades/SAT + interview) to a program in professional psychology on students' and supervisors' experiences of the group climate in psychotherapy supervision groups during an eighteen-month…

Introduction: Child-centered play therapy is a well recognized and research-supported form of child psychotherapy. Methods: Fifteen children in the age range of 5-11 years (eight girls and seven boys) with somatoform disorder were administered 25 sessions of non directive play therapy. Parents received 3 reflective counseling sessions. Children…

Through the use of anecdote, case study, and analysis, this book establishes a theoretical framework for union trainers to use. Part 1 describes union training--the trainers, participants, union culture, and language and methods. It also examines the differences between trade union training and other forms of adult education and training. Part 2…