Three case studies are used to discuss transference and countertransference issues arising from the pregnancy of mental health counselors. Discussion focuses on the effects of pregnancy on the therapist herself and clients' reactions to a pregnant therapist. (TE)

Proposes tentative model for considering the nature of power and how counselors might use power to influence those who have impact on their clients and programs. Presents power strategies framework based on differing levels of interpersonal relationships as way to bring about desired change in interpersonal situations that are harmful to clients…

Examined observers' perceptions of counselors using touch in client-counselor interaction. College students (N=248) observed videotaped vignette of simulated counseling interview varied by counselor sex and use of touch. Observer responses to the Perceived Counselor Characteristics Inventory indicated that touch was perceived as conveying sense of…

Introduces special journal issue which contains 58 personal accounts of the impact of direct experience on counselor development. Defines these experiences as "critical incidents," explores the impact of critical incidents on counselor education, describes theoretical perspectives, and explains the development of the special journal…

Describes a study in which 701 Virginia public school principals were surveyed to determine how school counselors are selected. The results indicated that academic proficiency receives relatively little weight in arriving at selection decisions. (CH)

Therapists (n=23) and clients (n=26) reported on their own and their perceptions of each other's covert processes in long-term therapy. Therapists had match rate of 0.45 for client reactions. Although 65% of clients left something unsaid, only 27% of therapists were able to match what clients left unsaid. (Author/NB)

Examined quality of counselor responses in seven response modes (reflection of feeling, questions, paraphrasing, interpretation, self-disclosure, confrontation, advice) and client perceptions of counselor intentions. High school students (n=64) rated counselor responses/intentions in 14 videotaped interview vignettes. Six response modes revealed…

Nursing students (n=162) were asked to identify personal qualities of counselors. Although the literature identifies listening as a skill, not a quality, 73% named being a good listener a counselor quality. Results may imply that change is needed in the teaching of counseling skills. (SK)

Racial identity models emphasize the assessment of clients' racial identity and its dynamic interaction with counselors' racial identity. With an emphasis on Helms' (1995) model, this article discusses how racial identity models may be applied to support multicultural counseling practice. (Contains 59 references.) (GCP)

Examines college students' attitudes about group counseling and creates a reliable instrument for measuring those attitudes. Results indicate that perception of counselor behavior did affect clients' intent to learn more about group counseling but did not affect clients' attitudes about it. Contrary to expectations, clients held neutral to…

Explores the role of children's religious and spiritual beliefs in pediatric medicine and healing. Also explores cultural variables, methods for addressing religious and spiritual concerns in treatment, and the importance of the therapist's own religious and spiritual sensitivity. Discusses how art therapy can help bridge the gap between medical…

Reports on the importance of cross-cultural contact in the development of multicultural counseling competencies (MCCs). Results reveal that the greater the prior cross-cultural life experience, the higher were students' MCCs measured at the beginning of a multicultural counseling course. MCCs measured at the end of the course were significantly…

Examined self-disclosure as a conscious intentional technique in which clinicians share information about their lives. Experienced clinicians (N=120) responded to four scenarios. Studied client and counselor variables, demographics, and reasons for and against disclosure. Discusses self-disclosure criteria. Discusses implications for practice and…

Summarizes gaps between assumptions appearing in literature, research, and accepted standards for marital and family therapy (MFT) supervision, and the common practice of supervisors. Issues stemming from gaps are highlighted and recommendations made for closing them. In an effort to refine standard practice for MFT supervision, best practice…

Explored development of seasoned marriage and family therapists (MFTs) in order to identify important events and themes in their personal and professional lives. The main developmental theme that emerged was the integration of personal and professional lives. Results might partially provide a map of possible transitions facing MFTs along their…