In this field study, counselor/client (N=49) pairs completed measures assessing strength, importance, and satisfaction of working alliance they had developed in early phase of their counseling relationship. Results suggest counselors and clients differ with respect to some perceptions and strength of alliance is predictor of satisfaction with…

Contends counselors should give potential clients enough information in the initial session to make a decision about whether they are right for their counselor and whether their counselor is right for them. Claims using a brochure detailing consumer rights and responsibilities, qualifications of the counselor, and general grievance procedures is…

Explores the efficacy of touch in the counseling situation by examining the importance of tactile communication in human development, the impact of socialization and cultural factors on the meanings of touch, and clinical and research evidence relevant to the use of touch in therapeutic settings. Suggests guidelines for the use of touch in…

Analyzes the issues and standards facing mental health counselors when working with lesbians and gay men who have substance abuse problems. Explores some of the major factors that contribute to substance abuse problems in the gay community are explored. Guidelines regarding legal protections for this population are provided. (Contains 64…

Discusses development of trust in a counselor and the therapy process by multiple personality disordered (MPD) clients. Offers list of trust statements effective in engendering trust of MPD client toward counselor. (CM)

Provides historical overview of changes in psychodynamic theory that have provided foundation for reassessing significance of client-mental health counselor interactions. Introduces Mobius interaction, interaction qualitatively different from Freud's concepts of transference and countertransference. Argues that Mobius interaction results from…

Explores effect of child abuse reporting on counselor-client relationship, mental health profession, and child protective services system. Uses ecological systems approach in exploration of interventions needed to help resolve child abuse reporting dilemma. Within ecosystems framework, discusses ethical guidelines and policymaking for reporting…

Delineates five selected hypnotically based techniques of client resistance management pioneered by Milton H. Erickson: acceptance; paradoxical encouragement; reframing; displacement; dissociation. Explains how techniques can be applied to nonhypnotic mental health counseling. Discusses relevant clinical, theoretical, and empirical issues related…

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…

The impact of the premature termination of counseling relationships due to the increasing phenomenon of counselor relocation is addressed. Insights from research, conceptual literature, and clinical experience are combined to suggest strategies for managing forced terminations. Fourteen sequential steps for successfully ending counseling…

Examines differences between clients who did or did not notify mental health providers of intent to discontinue treatment. Findings suggest that the adoption of mutual goals and empathetic counselor attitudes toward client treatment expectations might increase staff awareness of satisfied dropouts who have made therapeutic gains. (Contains 26…

Discusses the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally Ill Individuals Act of 1986. Describes recent mental health reform history. Defines patient advocates' role and responsibilities. Presents illustrations of types of cases encountered by patient advocate. Explores implications of this role for the mental health counselor. (Author/CM)

Briefly discusses the advantages of the qualitative approach to assessment and provides mental health counselors with some specific and practical qualitative-type measures that can be used effectively in counseling. (JBJ)

Reviews background and case histories surrounding legal concept of "duty to warn" and confidentiality limits of counseling. Discusses professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities of mental health counselors and identifies steps to follow for counselors who have to warn potential victims of danger from their clients. (Author/ABL)

Accommodating the requirements of clients who have late onset hearing loss (an estimated 1 in 10 adults) requires knowledge and ongoing effort from both the mental health counselor and the client. An example of successful teamwork to accommodate a client's hearing difficulty is presented. (EMK)