Examines the personal side of the problem of counselor impairment. The impact this problem has on people, organizations, and the profession and the reasons why it is ignored are explored. Explains the relationship between these problems and the articles selected for this special issue. (Author/RB)

Examined effects of intimacy of interviewer's disclosure and racial composition of counselor-client dyad on clients' liking for counselor, impressions of counselor, and subsequent self-disclosure in peer counseling analogue. Results from 64 White and 64 Black female college student clients revealed that intimate disclosure by counselor was useful…

Describes a process used by the Downtown Alternative School, Toronto, Canada, to resolve conflicts among the students there. Offers the perspectives of the teachers, students, parents, and observers on the effectiveness of the approach. (TB)

Summarizes the journal's theme issue on school-based group interventions designed to promote students' social and academic success. Information is organized to assist service providers in utilizing this modality. Contributors share intervention techniques, with particular consideration given to multicultural influences on group interventions and…

Looks at bullying as a group phenomenon largely enabled by members of a school class taking on different participant roles (such as assistant of the bully, reinforcers of the bully, and outsiders). Suggests that peer group power should be utilized in putting an end to bullying. Recommends that counselors should also include working with students…

Suggests that while health problems experienced by young people are largely the result of psychological and behavioral factors, peer-led initiatives can have a positive effect on several factors that influence their health. Reviews strengths of peer support, including effects on self-esteem, self-efficacy, and locus of control. Discusses practical…

The purpose of this practicum was to resolve conflict in a peaceful and constructive manner in the sixth-grade. Students participated in a conflict resolution and peer mediation program designed to enable friendships to grow and to reduce the number of violent acts within the school setting. Thirty students initially began in the program. During…

Peer helping has become a popular method of dispute resolution in many secondary schools. However, evaluation of such programs is usually anecdotal in content. In order to add to the quantitative data on the effectiveness of peer helping, a peer helping effectiveness scale was designed and implemented; the results of this evaluation effort are…

This digest discusses mediation as a form of conflict management that is receiving widespread attention in schools. Mediation involves a neutral third person, called a mediator, who assists the disputants in resolving their problem with the consent of all parties. It offers a risk-free way to settle disputes for the parties involved. Unresolved…

A study of substance abuse prevention and intervention services offered in the New York City public schools was undertaken. The study consisted of three parts: development of a central database on services provided by the Substance Abuse Prevention/Intervention Network in Schools (SPINS), a field study that documented the goals, problems, and…

There are several steps to developing a successful peer-helping program for an organization. The first step is needs assessment of the organization using tests, interviews, and reflection. Self-teaching or outside training can be used to become familiar with peer helping. Next, a philosophy should be created to support and guide the program's…

This study explored the differences in views of male and female participants in the Natural Helpers program. The program was developed primarily to serve middle and high school students who want to increase their helping and communication skills so they can better help and support others. The central Virginian school in the study had received a…

Research shows that lay counselors function as well or better than professionals in helping youth, a great percentage of whom go to self-help centers rather than formal clinics. The authors urge professional counselors to offer their help to counterinstitutions and cooperate with lay counselors on an equality basis. (SE)

Author suggests certain cultural aspects essential to be considered by counselors in vocational guidance of blacks, means of recruiting black graduates, and approaches for disseminating information about jobs among blacks: peer counseling, unstructured group discussions, sociodrama and black career conferences. Recommends employment of black…

A peer training system for teaching assistants (TAs) that is sponsored by the Writing Program Resource Center at the University of Massachusetts is described from the perspective of the center coordinator. The center seeks to improve teaching in the freshman composition program by providing TAs feedback in a non-threatening and understanding way…