This study supported evidence of reliability and validity of the Theoretical Orientation Profile Scale-Revised (TOPS-R) scores. The TOPS-R was designed to measure theoretical orientation among counselors and trainees. Factor analysis yielded a 6-factor solution accounting for 87.5% of the total variance in the scale. The 6 factors corresponded to…

The Employment Department's invitation to bid for pilot programs for work-based competency training represents a contrast to off-the-job academic training. Informed debate and empirical findings would contribute to the constructive management of these changes. However, Kidd et al.'s research on careers officers' use of theory in guidance…

Research on the effectiveness of counseling clearly shows that counseling is effective in relation to no-treatment and placebo control conditions. The effects of counseling, attained in relatively brief time periods, seem to be relatively lasting. There is little evidence or specific efficacy for particular techniques or counseling theories. (69…

Challenges criticisms that rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is not humanistic. Responds to misconceptions regarding the term "rational" and concludes that, although REBT is closely identified with secular humanism, REBT can also be seen as a set of analytical and therapeutic skills that religious humanists can use. (RJM)

Shares the experiences of a researcher engaged in qualitative research. Looks at researcher sensitivity and flexibility, ethical dilemmas, and the importance of a good "research alliance" with participants. Discusses, the implications of including participants as collaborators and the role of co-researchers. Emphasizes the impact of…

Explores some of the methodological issues which arose during an investigation into experiences of bereaved parents. Notes the values of ethnographic approaches in researching intimate and painful experiences and argues that parents' stories about their children's lives are central to processes of identity reconstruction during grief. (RJM)

Examines transference issues over a nine-month period between a white, female counselor and a black, male client. Attempts to show the positive effects that may come about through a non-ethnic- and non-gender-matched, counselor-client dyad and subsequent benefits to clients of counselor similarity and difference. (RJM)

Proposes a theoretical and practical hybrid model for family counseling based on integrating the rational-emotive and family systems approach. Notes that these combined approaches offer the counselor a systematic theoretical structure for conceptualizing family dysfunction, from which additional strategies for changing inappropriate belief systems…

Describes special benefits provided by group psychotherapy for adolescents with learning disabilities. Includes brief description of short-term psychotherapy groups and provides specific information about how one group was conducted. Two case vignettes depict how group process facilitated positive changes in interpersonal skills of adolescents in…

Describes a short-term, strategic, solution-focused self-esteem group in an outpatient mental health setting. Discusses constructs that form foundations of both strategic and group therapies. Training, supervision, and outcome issues arising from integrating the two therapies are addressed. (Author/NB)

Reports experience with 14 adolescent cases of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Discusses adolescents' tendency not to cooperate with behavior therapy and medication, and the usefulness of psychotherapy in treating these patients. Concludes that non-specific milieu therapy leads to recovery in a majority of adolescent obsessive compulsives. Admits…

Critically reviews clinical outcome literature on efficacy of paradoxical interventions in psychotherapy over last seven years. Examines studies under headings of paradoxical intention studies, symptom prescription studies, and reframing studies. Concludes with general evaluation of current standing of paradoxical interventions and calls for…

Summarizes literature on normative reactions to abortion and factors that increase risk of negative emotional sequelae. Discusses characteristics of woman, social support and cultural milieu around the abortion, the medical environment and abortion procedure itself, and events subsequent to abortion which may cause conflict. Discusses implications…

Reviews findings from manual-guided training programs in short-term interpersonal psychotherapy for depression, an exploratory treatment focusing on symptom reduction and improvement of social functioning. Discusses literature findings which suggest that the use of manuals and systematic therapist training may be useful for the conduct of…

Author explains why he disagrees with concept of rational suicide, asserting that what some see as basis for rational suicide, he sees as basis for therapy. Discusses particular circumstances of the very old, disabled, and terminally ill. Contends that effective psychotherapy is possible with terminally ill. Concludes that, although he opposes…