Parenting a handicapped child can be perceived as an opportunity for personal growth. Given this orientation, the truly empathic counselor assists parents in learning the skills and attitudes needed to deal effectively with their child and to learn to transform their own pain into caring and love. (Author)

Describes the benefits of group counseling for abusing parents. Suggests that groups structured to maximize peer support and reduce social isolation provide a context in which parents can make changes in cognition and behavior. (Author/JAC)

Proposes a model for school-based parent conferences which are change-focused and developed from the principles of family and behavior therapy. Argues that a series of intermittent parent conferences across the school year can provide significant therapeutic impact. (LLL)

Discusses how a group leader involves parents as an integral part of their child's counseling process. To be maximally effective, the parent discussion group leader must be a facilitator, a resource person, a teacher and a model, depending on the specific needs and directions of the group. (Author/SE)

The functioning of parent "C" groups (basically preventive in purpose) is described. Such groups are ones wherein parents discuss their interactions with children with each other and with a leader in an effort to make their own behavior more effective. Suggestions for administering such groups and for training counselors to lead them are given.…

Presents a home-school collaboration model which includes parent involvement, parent conferences, parent education, and parent counseling. Illustrates an inverse relationship between parental needs and counselor time and skills. (Author)

Discusses marriage and divorce myths and their relationship. Describes social support for the divorce myth including the legal system, church, economic factors, and research. Offers alternatives to the divorce myth and suggestions for counselors working with divorcing couples with children. (RC)