Encounters, defined as contacts between a social worker and client that have not been regularly scheduled, represent an alternative to the classic casework method. Presents a consumer-oriented strategy based on clinical experience in a public community mental health center in a large urban area. (Author)

Human communication is a complex process. For individuals from different regional, ethnic, or racial backgrounds, communication may be difficult. Focuses on some common ways individuals fail to communicate clearly and the significance of this failure for social work practice. (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)

An increase in the formation of growth-oriented groups has accompanied a rising interest in self-knowledge and consciousness-raising. The study described in this article suggests that the behaviors, perceptions, and emotional experiences of group members may vary with the sexual makeup of the group itself. (Author)

Group process is defined as the change taking place in interactions among individuals over time. Examines how this occurs within growth-oriented groups that have certain developmental characteristics in common, even though specific group objectives may vary. (Author)

The leaderless group can be invaluable as an aid to the supervisor with the task of sustaining protective service personnel. The success of such a group may be contingent on the participation of mature, highly motivated individuals who have already developed some trust in one another. (Author)

Empathy is vital in all the helping professions, as theory, practice, and research indicate. But can it be taught? Can it be learned? What exactly does one do to empathize? This article presents a usable model of empathic behavior--as well as imaginative means of enhancing the capacity to empathize. (Author)

Tests the hypothesis that patients who were contacted more often by their relatives would stay a shorter time in the hospital. Results support the hypothesis. (Author)

The authors describe and illustrate a procedure through which the effectiveness and efficiency of intervention can be measured objectively by the practitioner. (Author)

An experimental program for rehabilitating people convicted of driving while intoxicated was studied to determine how personally responsible behavior could be encouraged. The authors attribute the program's success to the egalitarian atmosphere in which staff members dealt with clients. (Author)

The committee process is notoriously susceptible to manipulation. A real pro develops ploys to insure that meetings run exactly as he or she intends. The author here presents tips on how the social worker can guard against such strategies. (Author)

Game theory can be used to reveal certain supervisory problems and the ways that supervisors frequently cope with them. This article describes the games and plays that supervisors may resort to in an effort to resolve their problems concerning authority. (Author)

Because feelings workers experience as part of counter-transference may affect attitudes toward clients and their performance of casework, such feelings are the concern of supervisors and workers. An exercise which has been used successfully in the exploration by worker and supervisor of feelings that are nontherapeutic is presented. (Author)

Participating in a group experience may be as damaging to some individuals as it is beneficial to others. A review of the group literature and observations from practice provide the basis for this discussion of the casualties that occur in groups and strategies for their prevention and treatment. (Author)

The author discusses the utility and drawbacks of social work counseling in the homes of clients based on his own experiences. Such an approach allows the social worker to assess the home and intrafamilial communications patterns plus the adolescents involved often feel more comfortable in the home setting. (EJT)