The author concludes that what has true meaning" for the counselee may be a bundle of misconceptions about himself and the world. He has grave misgivings about the claim that the means and information will be used in proper congruence with" anything. (Author/BY)

Results showed that the two-chair dialog applied at a split produced more depth of experiencing than did focusing plus emphatic reflection. Both treatments produced significantly greater reported shifts in awareness and progress than the no-treatment controls. (Author)

The authors describe the use of storytelling to assist children who have experienced the death of a family member or friend. The results support the theory that children are able to use narrative to express grief and loss and that artwork can aid in the expression of both experiences. (Contains 16 references.) (Author)

Although animals have been historically associated with promoting physical and mental health benefits for humans, only recently has there been support for such claims in the literature. This article is a preliminary attempt to bring together scientific studies and anecdotal reports that provide evidence of the benefits of using animals in…

Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is a well-validated, evidenced-based treatment for serious clinical problems presented by adolescents and their families. This article is an introduction to the MST approach and outlines key clinical features, describes the theoretical underpinnings, and discusses the empirical support for MST's effectiveness with a…

Critically examines the assumptions underlying "False Memory Syndrome" to determine whether there is sufficient empirical evidence to support it as a valid diagnostic construct. A review of the relevant literature demonstrates that the existence of such a syndrome lacks general acceptance in the mental health field, and that the…

Presents an interview with Peggy Papp, a faculty member at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, where she is director of the Depression in Context Project. The Interview focuses on Papp's journey to becoming a marriage and family therapist and her role as a leader in field of feminist therapy. (GCP)

Although many individuals living in poverty are referred for family counseling services via schools, court systems, and social service agencies, theories have failed to provide an adequate framework for treatment. This article addresses the common principles of the multisystems approach and feminist family therapies and how they can be applied in…

Purports that because family counselors are not yet sufficiently adept at dealing with families that have a member with some sort of learning disability, they are less likely to diagnosis and address it in the treatment process. Briefly describes the "Syndrome-L Family," and discusses the challenges of this syndrome for family counseling practice.…

This review traces the development of counseling theory in relation to the philosophical constructs of free will and determinism. Problems associated with free will are discussed, and an analysis of related theoretical trends and convergent paradigms is provided. Results indicate that no major theory of counseling addresses the free will versus…

This paper begins by critically exploring Freudian and post-Freudian understandings of suicide while drawing several examples from clinical practice. The paper then reconsiders psychodynamic approaches to suicidal clients from a Levinasian ethical position. Suggests that suicide may be a logical part of what it is to be human, rather than an…

Explores significance of new reference groups for maintenance of self-esteem from standpoint of Berger's sociology of knowledge. Argues from Berger's perspective that even extremely powerful experiences of self-acceptance are in desperate need of ongoing "plausibility structure" to reinforce new sense of self. Describes implications for…

Discusses problems with current definitions and uses of eclecticism in counseling practice and importance for mental health counselors of learning to apply theory even if they wish to be eclectic. Proposes a hierarchy of eclectic practices. Claims mental health counselors need to make use of theoretical knowledge of counseling profession to offer…

Proposes a model that identifies four elements contributing to coping that can be disrupted by disability and the type of intervention that each affected element may require: restoring or replacing assets and skills; reintegrating the self-image; reformulating goals; and restructuring the environment. Discusses functions of rehabilitation…

Reviews recent research on counseling as a social influence process. Presents studies published since 1981 in two groups according to whether they pertain to first or second stage of Strong's (1968) influence model. Critically examines social influence literature as a whole as to its methodological and theoretical adequacy. (Author/ABL)