Examined whether differences in counselors' retention of information about a female and a male client in a previous study would also be obtained with a noncounselor sample of 218 college students. In findings similar to those of the previous study, participants retained less information under the female client conditions, indicating a possible…

Describes a study of the characteristics and professional activities of community college counselors. Presents the survey responses of 469 counselors identified by their college presidents as being outstanding. Assesses trends with respect to workload, institutional settings, education, and activities. (DMM)

This study attempted to develop psychometric properties of the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale (SOCCS), an instrument used to assess the awareness, skills, and knowledge of counselors working with the lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) population. A sample of 287 undergraduates, master-level and doctoral-level students, and counseling…

Substance abuse is a major social problem and concern for counselors. It is the most prevalent mind disorder encompassing some 40% of the diagnoses in the DSM-IV, the number one continuing health problem, and the number one prison problem in the United States. Yet, school, rehabilitation, and mental health counselor education programs do not…

Research supported by the U.S. Vocational Rehabilitation Administration Grant RD-957, and the West Virginia Vocational Rehabilitation Division, Charleston, West Virginia.

Examines the function of interpretation in counseling independent of its theoretical content. Reviews theory and research to yield three contrasting models of the function of interpretation in the change process. Discusses the relative merits of the three models of change and their implications for research. (Author)

Assessed the degree to which elementary and middle school counselors (N=241) recognized and felt competent to deal with child abuse. Survey results indicated counselors believed child abuse was a national rather than a local problem. Most felt confident of recognizing child abuse, but had seen relatively few cases. (JAC)

Various perspectives on the training of group workers are presented in nine articles. Topics considered include: (1) problems in training hospital group leaders; (2) training leaders in a behavorial-cognitive approach; (3) micro-counseling and teacher-less approaches to training; and (4) the impact of race and gender on group work. (RC)

Explores the issues of patient homogeneity, external validity, internal validity, choosing and implementing specific treatment modalities, therapist experience and attitudes, therapist age, reliability and validity of measures, and problems obtaining follow-up information when studying treatment of depressed elderly patients. (Author)

Studied the effect of client sex and attractiveness on male and female counselors' judgments about students' educational and career potential. Found male counselors showed sex bias when suggesting occupations. Prediction of higher education and occupational status were not related to counselor or student sex or student attractiveness. (Author/JAC)

Examines the gap in the theoretical and clinical training of social workers in helping the homosexual client. Proposes specific approaches for improving services to clients who are gay or lesbian. Discusses other neglected clients including heterosexual spouses, children of a homosexual parent, and aging homosexuals. (Author/RC)

A one-day conference for guidance counselors entitled Math Opens Doors Everywhere (MODE), an outgrowth of the Mathematical Association of Americas' Women and Mathematics (WAM) lecture program is described. In addition to describing technical concerns of the conference, observations and suggestions are given. (MK)

External pressures create role demands that may leave counselors feeling "burned out." Professional perspective can be maintained by working with counseling clients, associating with concerned colleagues, and being committed to a counseling theory. Counselors must evaluate themselves and their role, and remain optimistic. (JAC)

Futuristic thinking by counseling psychologists reveals uncertainty as to what direction the profession will take. Counselors must be aware of society's changing needs and problems and actively seek ways to address them. Advanced technology will provide new counseling tools but will require training changes. (JAC)