Drawing on contemporary evidence in the counselling and psychotherapy research field, this paper argues that there is growing support for a relationship-orientated approach to therapeutic practice. The paper reviews findings from a range of meta-analytical and individual studies which provide strong evidence for the centrality of relational…

Investigates the attitudes of volunteer counselors toward clients with alcohol problems and the counselors' commitment to their agencies. Results indicate the importance of role recognition by agencies in enhancing counselor attitudes toward their work; levels of experience also appears to be significant. (Author/MKA)

Foucault's analysis of unseen power as it operates in discourses that construct "practices of discipline" and "technologies of the self" has been a central conceptual resource in the development of narrative therapy. Narrative therapists take the view that ?unseen aspects of power work to construct both how a person understands their situation,…

Briefly considers the complex issues of counselors' intervention in their clients' moral decision-making. Suggests that it is not helpful to avoid dealing with dilemmas by retaining a neutral position and that common-sense-based interventions can be harmful rather than helpful. Recommends a more thorough examination of philosophical and moral…

This article represents a poststructuralist critique and review of the role of empathy in the therapeutic relationship. Incorporating Foucauldian contributions, we seek to expand upon the largely liberal-humanistic descriptions about the nature of empathy, which in our view fail to acknowledge fully the impact of culture in the therapy arena. In…

Foucault's concern with the production of subjectivity has led to the development of positioning theory, as it has been called by Bronwyn Davies, Rom Harr and Luk van Langenhve. The concept of discursive positioning has particular value for counselling because it shows how people are positioned in discourse in particular moments by their own and…

Reviews recent developments that have raised questions about the distinctiveness of guidance and whether its practice can be separated from that of related professions. Suggests that a distinctive position may be found by an examination of certain key features of guidance practice, such as the role of information. (Author/GCP)

States that when counselors join a multi-disciplinary team the variety of attitudes towards confidentiality is often not made explicit. Questions how counselors can protect the patient, and themselves, within a team approach to medical care. Contends that corporate ideology is the main variable affecting the integration of a confidential…

Counseling is praised for its emphasis on the "developmental" rather than "policing" role of supervision. Profession's presumption that supervision indicates anything about the client is challenged. Client must be admitted to the counseling room for this to happen. Explores various means to achieve this; highlights resistance of the profession.…

Reexamines the assumption that counseling interactions should be face-to-face, whereas other activities of guidance can be supported by the computer. Contends that human relationships will change but not necessarily diminish with computer use. Draws comparisons about ways in which open and distance learning have brought a reexamination of what is…

Presents findings from a qualitative study exploring young people's perceptions about the provision of a youth-counseling service. Study reveals factors that hinder willingness to seek counseling and factors that encourage young people to make use of counseling. (Author/GCP)

How the client and practitioner engage in the exchange within the interview and how meanings are negotiated and received by each of the participants were studied. Agreement between client and practitioner ratings of interviews was examined. A conceptual model of the interview was derived from analysis of "helpful" interventions. (Author/EMK)

Provides an overview of boundary matters and examines essential therapeutic qualities, such as empathy, for their boundary-crossing expectations. Considers boundary management and the never-ending need for dynamic involvement and professional judgment. Claims that boundaries must be preserved, but actions should not be so rigid as to hinder…

Reviews the literature on boundary training, along with relevant cultural and social issues. Examines ways in which training may contribute to abuse prevention and identifies key areas for research. Argues that counselors need assistance in internalizing a professional/personal value system that helps them function without external constraints.…

Investigated counselors' (N=94) attitudes in working with people with drinking problems and their opinions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Results indicate that generic counselors did not feel competent working with these clients; feelings of competence increased with greater experience of the client group. Counselors knew of AA but understood…