There are three steps to challenging troublesome career beliefs: identifying the troublesome belief; considering alternative ways to viewing the underlying problem; and taking action incompatible with the troublesome belief. Each of these steps includes techniques which empower clients by providing them with information or enabling them to make…

This digest discusses the importance of marketing in the field of career planning and placement. It explains the use of marketing techniques in counseling and the human services, lists major relevant marketing concepts, and provides a marketing list for career planning and placement counselors. (NB)

"Integrated services" refers to the collaborative delivery of educational, health, and social services for children and families such that families have a single point of entry into the delivery system. In some states, attempts to integrate social service delivery are part of education reform legislation. In Kentucky, schools link the…

Self-mutilation has been most commonly seen as a diagnostic indicator for borderline personality disorder. However, practitioners have more recently observed self-harming behavior among those individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, multiple personality disorder, borderline personality disorder,…

This fact sheet examines the impact of cultural diversity in the United States on the counseling profession. Three major difficulties for multicultural counseling created by this diversity are considered: (1) the counselor's own culture, attitudes, and theoretical perspective; (2) the client's culture; and (3) the multiplicity of variables…

The Family Support Act (FSA) of 1988 provides opportunities for educators to form linkages with other agencies to strengthen families and help them move toward self-sufficiency. The FSA affords professionals chances to forge critical interagency connections and expand the range and capacity of programs for learners at risk. A strategy for forming…

This digest examines the role of adult career counselors in working with three new types of clients: (1) older adults looking for post-retirement careers; (2) displaced workers; and (3) dual career couples. It also considers the role of career counselors in providing career development programs at the worksite. Additional skills needed by…

Assessment is broader in scope than testing. Typically, assessment includes gathering and integrating information about a client in a manner that promotes effective treatment. This digest discusses how counselors can use assessment as a continuous process throughout treatment. It also reviews three common forms of assessment techniques which can…

A number of factors put pressure on schools to work more closely with health, social service, and other youth-serving institutions but poor communications, program redundancies, fear for job security, and concerns about parent and community support for controversial services inhibit close collaboration. Recent successful collaborative school,…