Self development is conceptualized as surrounded by a series of ego rings that spread out from its center. Erikson's first five psychosocial stages are used as the developmental framework within which self-concept, self-esteem, and ego boundaries are viewed as component parts of the self's growth. Counseling implications are used. (Author/BL)

This manuscript addresses adoption and the related gifts and challenges faced by adoptees. Challenges such as the search for identity, reconciliation, and identifying how they belong are also discussed. This manuscript also addresses common myths and misconceptions about the adoption experience. A creative intervention, using super heroes and…

This workshop manual is intended for use by counselors, psychologists, and community and social workers. It may be used as an adult developmental activity, for black women 18 or older, at the secondary and post-secondary levels, as part of a women's cultural studies program, or as a continuing education offering. Chapter 1 of the manual provides a…

This guide presents an advisory program for middle schools. The program is designed for groups of 10 to 15 students meeting twice a week; the advisors should be adults from within the school (teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, etc.). The program has four goals: (1) to promote students' sense of belonging within the school; (2) to…

This article gives suggestions for bibliotherapy as a counseling strategy to help gifted boys dealing with six issues: image management, self-inflicted pressure, the trauma of being labeled "different," male bonding, cultural expectations, and gender role conflict. Thirty children's books addressing these issues are suggested. (DB)

This presentation describes three preventive and skill building counseling programs implemented by school counselors in an attempt to share their skills beyond the traditional counseling-on-demand role. The Counselor-Directed Relationship Enhancement Training of Underachieving, Poorly Communicating Students and their Teachers program matched in…

These workshop materials are intended to prepare professionals and community volunteers to serve as peer workshop leaders with young adults and adults with learning disabilities. The workshops are intended to: establish support groups; increase self-awareness and self-advocacy skills; improve interpersonal social skills; and provide adaptability…

This book is a practical guide on how to realign one's career by careful, systematic analysis of what is not satisfying and what needs to be changed. It assists individuals in learning who they really are today, where they are going, and how to identify realistic work alternatives. Part 1 on achieving career satisfaction consists of three…