Outlines both broad and specific treatment issues concerning elective mute children. A group treatment modality is presented, and its successes, limitations, and failures are noted with recommendations for avoiding pitfalls in treatment. Issues of cooperation with schools, families, and community organizations are also addressed. (JAC)

Research indicates that mental health social workers risk being confronted with fatal and nonfatal client suicidal behaviors during professional practice. Although reactions to client suicidal behavior have been documented, there is little empirical evidence about coping behaviors and available supports following client suicidal behavior. This…

Writing as a therapeutic tool is not new. The unique approach described in this article, however, requires the writing and oral delivery of a personal autobiography as an early component of group psychotherapy for pathological gamblers. The spoken autobiography expedites group process through its early development of group cohesiveness, catharsis,…

Describes a program which uses the natural structure of a game and integrates principles of group work with cognitive and skill-oriented strategies to help children (ages 8-11) develop effective social competencies. Includes evaluation of the game's effectiveness. (ABL)

Behavior modification principles and procedures were integrated with a small group approach to short-term treatment of adult problems. These included child management, anxiety, marital discord, depression, and interpersonal difficulties with friends, family, and co-workers. (Author)

Presents a combined educationally and therapeutically oriented model of treatment to (1) control and lessen disruptive experiences associated with divorce; (2) enable individuals to improve their skill in coping with adjustment reactions to divorce; and (3) modify the pressures and response of single parenthood. Describes the model's four-session…

Argues that a major flaw in most family therapies is their overemphasis on interpersonal familial process, with insufficient attention to the role of genuine deficit in the so-called identified patient and to the influence of external forces generating conflicts. Reviews literature that highlights limitations inherent in family therapy.…

Institutionalization, as is widely recognized, has undesirable effects on many sexual offenders, and it often increases the likelihood that they will offend again after discharge. The outpatient program described here combines group interaction with behavioral engineering and may indeed represent an effective alternative. (Author)

Describes an art-therapy group for latency age girls which was found to be an excellent diagnostic tool in demonstrating the particular behavior that led to each child's peer-related problems. (Author)

When articles on social work with client groups were analyzed a number of shortcomings in the way workers used groups appeared consistently. Although collective effort for changing the clients' environment was clearly needed in many instances, the predominant focus was on changing individual behavior. (Author)

This article describes a group that was formed by young male residents in an extended-care facility in order to help them meet their nonmedical needs. (Author/HMV)

When their child is diagnosed with leukemia, parents begin a process of anticipatory mourning. Group meetings with other such parents provide help in living through the process. (Author)

Describes a group therapy program for recently widowed females, whose purpose was to allow individuals to share with each other the meaning of widowhood. A sense of group identity evolved which helped the women develop insight and courage to deal effectively with their situation. (Author/HLM)

Discusses a project developed to gain understanding of the experiences of people suffering from a chronic pain condition with no visible symptoms. Results suggest that narrative approaches helped participants find their own strengths and means of coping and helped them find identities other than as patients. (RJM)

Discusses a filial therapy model in which a parent and her child carry out play therapy in a group with other parents and children who are doing the same. Emphasis on the enhancement of parental skills in structuring environment, limitseting, and reflective listening. (Author/DOW)