Offers an overview of the root metaphors and philosophical assumptions associated with formism, mechanism, contextualism, and organicism, the four world views described in Pepper's 1942 philosophical treatise and his presentation of root metaphor theory. Examines recent and historical trends of development in counseling theory and practice within…

Discusses how the primary emphasis on the individual raises for counselors the possibility of a kind of therapeutic individualism inimical to social commitment and the common good. Examines importance placed on social commitment in counseling and the influence of therapeutic individualism. Proposes that the balance between the individual and…

Considers inquiry into the nature and process of change to be fundamental to the domains of counseling and psychotherapy. Clarifies distinction between first- and second-order change. Proposes that rationalist approaches to counseling are guided by first-order assumptions about change whereas constructivist approaches are based on second-order…

Underscores differences among unsystematic eclecticism, theoretical integrationism, and technical eclecticism. Present brief case history to demonstrate how and why combination of theories and smorgasbord conception of eclecticism yields clinical confusion rather than therapeutic precision. Explains why atheoretical or mechanistic procedures must…

Discusses debate concerning status of counseling as a unique specialization. Hypothesizes that the counseling specialty is distinguished by its reliance on a developmental metatheory, which makes unique assumptions regarding distress, change, and the helping process. Proposes that the value of developmentalism and the counseling speciality are…

Recounts life and professional contributions of Rene A. Ruiz, including his trailblazing work on Hispanic issues in counseling and psychology which places him among the true pioneers in the field. Reviews his career as a counselor, teacher, writer, and researcher. (Author/ABL)

Using American Psychological Association Division 17 position paper on cross-cultural counseling competencies as organizing framework, provides overview of various cross-cultural counseling training models and points to need to go beyond sensitivity training to actually providing culture-specific knowledge in training models. Presents…

Defines the traditional psychological worldview and the emergent systemic worldview in counseling theory. Contrasts hegemonic (predominant) and counterhegemonic (emergent and competitive) viewpoints in counseling theory. The two counseling worldviews are described as presenting distinct roles for professional counselors with respect to assessment,…

Reviews William Coulson's assertions that Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, and he initiated the humanistic education field, that Rogers repudiated his philosophy late in life, and that they owe the nation's parents an apology. Argues that these charges are groundless and provides examples and quotations from Rogers' later writings to show how Rogers…

Describes ways in which Erickson's discoveries and thinking might be used by counselors, specifically describing hypnocounseling. Discusses how Ericksonian language patterns can be adapted by most counselors to their primary orientations and techniques. (Author/ABL)

Differentiates codependent from contradependent behavior and defines both in an interpersonal context. Proposes model to address gender issues, diagnosis, and treatment from an emotional health perspective. Assuming codependence and contradependence are actually caused by experiences of shame and victimization, suggests that treatment of these…

Illustrates how trait-and-factor model of career counseling has evolved into a person x environment fit approach. Criticisms of original model are presented and then rebutted by clarifying misconceptions and noting advances in theory and practice. Role of differential diagnosis, problem-solving interventions, and psychometric information within…

Describes assumptions that link scientific and personal theorizing. Outlines research program to refine and test such assumptions in context of counseling. Argues that research into the scientific and personal theories of researchers of counseling and personal theories of counselors and clients of counseling may answer questions about relationship…

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…

Contends current theories of psychological development do not fit the experience of a large majority of the human race, both male and female. Discusses variations of theories of psychological health. Concludes theme of women's lives is a theme of relationship, of connection, of mutuality, and of empathy. (ABL)