Research indicates that many social work practitioners are interested in using spiritual interventions in clinical settings. Unfortunately, studies also indicate that practitioners have frequently received minimal training on the topic during their graduate education. Drawing from the evidence-based practice movement, this article develops some…

Examines the typical client request for advice and identifies limitations and alternatives to counselor advice giving. (Author)

Discusses the dynamics of suicide, how to work with a potentially suicidal client in the counseling relationship, and legal and ethical implications for the counselor. (Author)

The treatment of men with anger problems presents significant challenges for practitioners. This article discusses a cognitive-behavioral, individual therapy, approach within the framework of three single case studies involving men. Treatment challenges and methodology are presented. Key treatment issues included: establishing a therapeutic…

This chapter presents counseling ideas and strategies to promote family trust and confidence. These steps include getting the family into the office, the role of proper attire, displaying of credentials, seating arrangements, and the acquisition of informed consent. Also presented is the author's approach to a first family counseling session, with…

Closure of the counseling relationship constitutes both an ending and a beginning. Although closure signifies the ending of the present counseling relationship, many family counselors conceptualize closure as the start of a working relationship between counselor and family that may be summoned in future times of crisis or during a difficult life…

Defines the concept of countertransference and four dimensions of possible countertransference responses toward the older client. Three of these responses are based on Karen Horney's interpersonal styles: moving toward, moving away, and moving against. Discusses strategies for managing countertransference with older clients, with special emphasis…

Notes that, in diverse historical and cultural settings, dragons have served as protective amulets/powerful talismans to protect/enhance powers of those who possess them. Explores use of such personal symbols in dealing with personal adversity and suggests methods in which dragon symbol can be used to promote discussion of feelings, problems, and…

This document presents an instructor's manual designed to accompany the videotape, "Uses of Metaphors and Imagery in Counseling," a tool to teach beginning and experienced counselors how to more efficiently help their clients by focusing on the use of non-literal language and thoughts (i.e., metaphors and images). The format and content of the…

Three groups of college students (n=125) watched videotaped advising sessions. In the tapes, advisors addressed students formally (using "Mr."), using first name, or using no name. As predicted, use of formal address increased perceived advisor persuasiveness. Name use did not significantly affect perceptions of advisor credibility,…

Provides an overview of prison inmate resistance to mental health counseling and describes ways that indirect, metaphorical communication can be used to establish rapport with this client population. Establishing rapport is difficult because of the suspicion that inmate clients have toward mental health professionals and the correctional system…

The previous chapters of this book have looked at how to conceptualize family work, presented a process for conducting family counseling, and examined ways to fit this process into the counseling skills counselors have already developed in working with individual clients. Also discussed were approaches and techniques for establishing a…

The purpose of this paper is to explore how career counselors and coaches can identify and honor resistance as they assist and guide individuals and groups in the process of change and transition. The author explores what can cause/lead to resistance, what the effects are and what can be done about it. (GCP)

Recent literature which proposes a more active therapeutic stance with Afro-American clients is consistent with general trends in clinical theory. Therapists are beginning to appreciate the usefulness of the concept of the "self." Rychlak (1979) notes that a humanistic approach in psychology emphasizes the importance of an introspective…

Many different strategies and skills for anger management intervention have been tried and tested. Some of the most empirically supported interventions are cognitive-behavioral interventions including relaxation coping skills, cognitive interventions, behavioral coping and social skills training, and problem-solving skills training. This digest…