Focusing in on a point of convergence among the three reactions generously shared regarding Yoder, Snell, and Tobias (2012), the author revisits our original interpretation of the configuration we labeled awakening feminism as well as its implications for counseling practice. Rather than regard awakening feminism as a distressful stage through…

The authors examine eating disorders through the conceptual framework of relational cultural theory (RCT). Taking into account the importance of relationships and connection, it is suggested that RCT may be a useful lens for conceptualizing and working with people who are experiencing eating disorders. Ways that RCT can be applied to enhance…

The hallmark feature of fairness in relationships in Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy's contextual therapy theory has largely remained untested among couples in therapy. "Fairness" here refers to the broad concept of "give and take," which is influenced by experiences of trustworthiness, loyalty conflicts, and a sense of entitlement or…

Relational-Cultural Theory (Miller, 1976, 1986) is based on the tenet that people grow through and toward relationships with others, rather than through separation and individuation. In this article, the characters and song lyrics of the Broadway musical, "Wicked" (Schwartz, Holzman, Mantello, & Platt, 2003), are viewed through the lens of…

Counselors and counselor educators are ethically bound to lifelong development of knowledge and skills that promote personal growth and relational development. The Association for Creativity in Counseling (ACC) was established on the principles of relational-cultural theory (RCT), which addresses the role of relational competency in…

Differentiates codependent from contradependent behavior and defines both in an interpersonal context. Proposes model to address gender issues, diagnosis, and treatment from an emotional health perspective. Assuming codependence and contradependence are actually caused by experiences of shame and victimization, suggests that treatment of these…

This article creates a strong theoretical rationale in support of the concept of fellowship, the cornerstone healing influence of Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). It reviews the literature which supports the Alcoholic Anonymous' concept of fellowship or client perceived belongingness. It provides a strong rationale for the establishment of new…

Exploration of interpersonal orientations during first year in field indicates that new counselors become more directive, both in theory and in practice than their teachers would have supported. (Author/CJ)

Reviews the current status of career theory in practice and presents a theoretical overview of relational theory and its logical extension to the career domain. The relational career counseling approach moves counseling toward a contextually based relational perspective to facilitating career progress. This approach is illustrated with a case…

Provides historical overview of changes in psychodynamic theory that have provided foundation for reassessing significance of client-mental health counselor interactions. Introduces Mobius interaction, interaction qualitatively different from Freud's concepts of transference and countertransference. Argues that Mobius interaction results from…

This article suggests that the counselor, the client, and the counseling strategies employed must be systematically examined in order to maximize the effectiveness of counseling. The authors introduce the Interpersonal Maturity Level Typology as a vehicle through which this can be accomplished. (Author)

The author advocates that counselors use whatever techniques maximize the possibility of a healthy counselor client relationship and the achievement of optimal human development. (BY)

Like a fire out of control, jealousy can reduce a marriage to rubble. It can leave self-esteem ruined. Although oversimplified, the pathologically jealous person regards even slight signs as conclusive evidence of betrayal. Where jealousy arises exclusively within a relationship then a counselor might examine the jealous person's self-concept and…

The theoretical explication of the meaning of relationships in women's lives by researchers at the Stone Center for Developmental Services at Wellesley College brings a rich dimension to the topic of women mentoring women. Rather than trying to understand the development of a "separate self," the Stone Center group has been exploring the…

The complexity of today's global realities can be overwhelming and result in profound feelings of chaos. While technology has brought great advancements, it has also brought unprecedented rates of change, job loss, a growing disparity is the socio-economic status of individuals, and a shrinking world in which people representing diverse cultures,…