Postulates new way of describing identity development process under oppression using optimal theory. From this optimal worldview, oppression is perceived as self-alienating and yielding a fragmented sense of self, based upon devaluation by self and others. Describes optimal theory as providing new inclusive model of identity development. Describes…

Examines four major assumptions about change (accommodation, hope, truth, divine agent) which undergird Christian counseling. Discusses assumptions' application for therapy and research. Argues lack of careful assumptive reflection among theorists of Christian therapy leads to numerous pragmatic and scientific difficulties, including dearth of…

Notes that client-centered counseling seems to be on the decline in United States. Attempts to explain why this decline is occurring and proposes some ways to revitalize client-centered counseling. Addresses some points made in previous article by Patterson. Notes that counselors owe it to their clients to critically review and continually develop…

Presents a model of case conceptualization that can be used with any theoretical approach to counseling. Discusses issues surrounding the use of this model. Describes use of the model in doctoral theories of counseling courses and contends that the case conceptualization model guides counseling students in all steps of the application process.…

Extends Iachan's congruence index (1984) to cover situations when ties occur in three-letter codes (as used in Holland's vocational theory) and when only two top letters are recorded and/or used. Suggests methodologies for breaking ties and for measuring agreement between two-letter codes and includes computer algorithm for computing the index.…

Responds to calls from feminist scholars to address potential biases against women in theories of family therapy. Summarizes findings from studies of female development and integrates findings into expanded model of Bowen's family systems theory. Includes case example comparing expanded model with traditional application of Bowen's theory.…

Sees healthy development as specified aim of mental health counseling. Classifies theories of development along two dimensions: person's internal drive and person's relationship to environment. Contends that each pole implies different role for counselors, that counselors must combine roles of cultivator and coach, and that mental health…

States that the construct of maturation's central role in career development theory seems outdated. Introduces the five articles concerning career maturity contained in this journal issue. (MKA)

Examines advantages and disadvantages of four helping orientations counselors can use to address religious and spiritual issues in psychotherapy: rejectionism, exclusivism, constructivism, and pluralism. Advocates constructivist and pluralist approaches as being best suited to work with diverse clients and religious beliefs, and flexible enough to…

Responds to three response articles and notes in the articles insistence on: importing religion into psychotherapy; serious misunderstanding about the proposed psychology of spirituality; argument primarily by appeal to authority; and imprecision and ad hominem comments. Offers clarifications and suggests that the target article deserves further…

The changing work environment has brought new career realities that suggest an altered role for the career counselor. This article reaffirms the benefits of working with the subjective aspects of career, with a focus on the "intelligent career." Offers a way for counselors to accommodate personal and dynamic needs of their clients. (Contains 35…

A visual diagram is presented in this article to illustrate 6 key concepts of Adlerian theory discussed in corresponding narrative format. It is proposed that in an age of multimedia learning, a pictorial reference can enhance the teaching and learning of Adlerian theory, representing a commitment to humanistic education. (Contains 18 references.)…

Social class, classism, and privilege and their relationship to counseling have been given insufficient attention. This article defines and explores White middle-class privilege; it proffers support for its integration in a multicultural competency, as well as its intersection with race and other dimensions of multiculturalism and privilege.…

It is important to understand causes and consequences of procrastination that appear common among general and academic populations. Procrastination affects people in various domains of life such as academic, professional, social relationships, and finance management. A person with high procrastination may lose his/her work, drop out from school,…

Selecting a single psychotherapeutic orientation can be a challenge for counselor education students. The authors examined the relationship between counseling theory selection and personality variables of students enrolled in a counseling theories course. A discriminant function analysis was used to identify the personality traits that would…