Illuminates a collaborative effort between the author and Dr. Arnold A. Lazarus, an internationally known presenter, author, and therapist. Many consider Lazarus to be a pioneer of behavior therapy and brief psychotherapy. Presents details about his unique perspective regarding therapy with couples and families. Provides case examples that…

Couples' dilemmas revolve around vantage points in their relationships. The purposes of this article are to discuss direct ways of assisting students to integrate theory into practice, to provide an integrated picture of how varying empirical findings dealing with couples could be pieced together to train beginning therapists, and to better assess…

Describes how a family therapy perspective can be integrated into group as a treatment modality. Concepts from family therapy are illustrated through a description of a specific women's group and case study. Techniques from family therapy applied in group are derived from multigenerational, experiential/humanistic, and cognitive-behavioral…

The authors have created the Illness Relationship Impact Inventory as one concrete way of examining each person's personal relationship with illness during their formative years. These early experiences texture the impact on one's experience of illness as an adult. Discussion questions and "next steps" commitment for positive improvement in that…

This case presentation describes a Narrative- Constructivist Therapy approach for working with couples. The figure-ground metaphor is introduced as a way to understand how certain negative experiences and interpretations can become the predominant focus for couples. When couples become trapped in the troublesome same-old story of their…

Adapts reflecting team concept, a practical application of constructivist ideas, for use in group supervision. Evolving model includes a focus on the unique "fly on the wall" perspective of the reflecting team. Trainees are introduced to a multiverse of new ideas and perspectives in a context which integrates some of the most challenging…

Examined relationship of marital adjustment and level of disability of persons with multiple sclerosis (n=104) to emotional adjustment. Found emotional adjustment significantly related to perceived level of marital adjustment, but no relationship found for level of disability. Results suggest, although marital adjustment is important for emotional…

Describes interactional approach to using standardized self-report instruments as part of assessment of couples entering marital therapy or enrichment. Presents most prominent and well-researched measures of marital satisfaction, instability, and intimacy, and evaluates how well these measures can fulfill necessary assessment functions. (Author/NB)

Addresses issues pertinent to training Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) students to develop the skills needed to become Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) professionals. Describes qualifications for becoming EAP professional. Suggests how skills may be taught within the framework of an academically based MFT training program. (Author/ABL)

Compares assumptions and practices emerging from family systems and feminist counseling. Examines nature of problem definitions; notions about power and appropriate sex roles in relationships; and characteristics of therapeutic relationship. Concludes that feminist perspective has potential for improving marital and family counseling. Suggests…

Investigated Caring Days procedure for marital therapy to determine its potential for positive change with nondistressed married couples. Randomly assigned 32 married couples to either experimental group employing Caring Days technique or to attention control group. Experimental group showed significant positive changes compared to control group…

Notes that clinicians are increasingly consulted by couples whose conflicts arise from or are exacerbated by dual-career relationship. Sees therapy with these couples as potentially greatly aided when treatment is tailored to unique needs of their relational system. Describes protocol for tailoring treatment based on comprehensive,…

Describes the five largest psychotherapy occupations (psychiatrist, clinical/counseling psychologist, clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, clinical mental health counselor) and looks at training requirements, types of practices, trends, and related occupations. Lists professional associations and references for further…

Describes investigation examining effects of caring for elderly parent with dementia on marital satisfaction. Suggests changes in women's marital satisfaction were associated with variations in husbands' emotional support and hindrance of caregiving effort which were affected by perceptions that caregiving interfered with wives' performance of…

Describes the reflecting team model as a group learning experience for counselor trainees. Approach permits trainees to give and receive immediate feedback on perceptions and learn about intervention strategies for working with couples. Discusses evaluation of the model utilizing The Family Therapist Trainee Rating Scale. (Author/CRR)