Describes some of the goals and methodologies of ropes and wilderness adventure interventions as they satisfy the definition of therapeutic recreation, specifically with reference to emotional and/or social dysfunctions among adolescents and adults. The two interventions have some characteristics in common, including supporting theory and group…

Developed methodology for evaluation of assimilation model in which both experimental rigor and clinical sensitivity are priorities. Methodology was applied to good-outcome case. Results supported assimilation model's hypothesized progression by which problematic experience is successfully incorporated into schema, and ratings highlighted one…

Depressed clients (n=117), stratified for severity, completed 8 or 16 sessions of manualized treatment, either cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy (CB) or psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy (PI). On most measures, CB and PI were equally effective, irrespective of severity of depression or duration of treatment. Found evidence of some…

Commends Shapiro et al.'s (this issue) article comparing psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating depression. Questions uncritical support of equivalent outcomes conclusion and implicit rejection of differential efficacy among psychotherapies as function of patient variables. Contends that Shapiro et al.…

Responds to comments by Norcross and Rossi (this issue) concerning Shapiro et al.'s (this issue) article comparing psychodynamic-interpersonal therapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating depression. Contends that power of analyses in original study was sufficient to address substantive questions at issue. (Author/NB)

Notes that spirituality and religion are often related to issues clients raise in therapy. Discusses overlap of therapeutic and religious worlds. Considers how some therapists are dealing with this interface. Outlines several ways religious issues can be integrated into family therapy training programs within larger existing framework of training…

Examined factors that predict dropping out of therapy among children referred for treatment of oppositional, aggressive, and antisocial behavior. Several factors related to family (socioeconomic disadvantage, adverse child-rearing practice), parent (stress, life events, history of antisocial behavior), and child functioning (severity and…

Discusses the narrative, or storytelling, approach to understanding human action and character. Cites several authors who view identity as life-story construction, psychopathology as life stories gone awry, and psychotherapy as exercises in story repair. (DM)

Reflects rational-emotive therapy (RET) in 1955 and discusses some of its recent constructivist and humanist theories and practice. Distinguishes between general RET, called synonymous with general cognitive-behavioral therapy, from preferential RET, called unique kind of cognitive therapy that partially overlaps with general cognitive-behavioral…

Sees cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as applicable to all eating disorders but most intensively studied in treatment of bulimia nervosa. Briefly reviews most commonly used cognitive treatments for eating disorders, provides critical evaluation of their effectiveness, and speculates about their mechanisms of action. Notes that CBT has not been…

Surveyed nationally certified school psychologists (n=178) to investigate patterns of practice. Findings included trends for certified school psychologists to employ briefer interventions, to favor the more behavior theory-oriented approaches, and to report family problems as most frequent type of problem encountered in their counseling.…

Discusses the use of original music (several specific songs written by the author) in therapy with adolescents, in particular to explore the often difficult areas of gender and sexuality. (SR)

Studied parameters that describe the course of change in subjective intensity of personal problems during psychotherapy: initial severity, rate of problem change, day-to-day intensity variability, and change in rate of problem change. Rate of change parameter correlated with traditional pre- to posttreatment outcome measures. Instability was high.…

Reports the development of the Therapeutic Behavior Scale, a six-item scale used to assess verbal therapeutic behaviors. Presents data supporting its internal consistency, interrater reliability and construct validity. Suggests that the scale can be useful for training, therapist self-assessment and research about the therapeutic processes and…

Investigates the effect of poem selection on therapeutic process and outcome. Examines the use of three different poems by three different therapists in a variety of contexts. Concludes that the "success" or "failure" of poems is based, in part, on what the therapist and poem ask of a client. (SR)