Explores the foundation of therapeutic theory from the perspective of social constructionism. Proposes a theoretical description of the interaction between an individual and the social context in the formation of therapeutic theory. Then explores this description in relation to the early life and subsequent therapeutic theory of Carl Rogers. (RJM)

Discusses key issues which address the distinctive dilemmas and challenges associated with qualitative approaches to evaluating counseling. Investigates such concerns as relationships with research participants, ethics, reflexivity, methodological choice, communicability, perspective, and obviousness. Makes some suggestions regarding the link…

Examines whether feedback regarding client progress and the use of clinical support tools (CSTs) affected client outcome and number of sessions attended. Results showed that clients in the feedback plus CST group stayed in therapy longer and had superior outcomes. Nearly twice as many clients in the feedback plus CST group achieved clinically…

Evaluated pretherapy patient variables as correlates of outcome among 62 patients with major depressive disorder. Negative responders were characterized by high levels of interpersonal difficulty and low levels of subjective distress; nonresponders by moderate levels of both interpersonal difficulties and subjective distress; positive responders…

Recognizes the efforts of Fuhriman and Burlingame in "Consistency of Matter" (1990) in undertaking the task of comparing individual and group therapy process literatures. Questions whether group therapy process is different from individual therapy process. Criticizes article for using reviews of reviews of individual therapy literature…

Investigated treatment effects of three social influence variables frequently implicated in psychotherapy placebos. Socially anxious male university students and staff members (N=48) participated in experimental treatment for reducing dating anxiety. Results support the importance of social influence variables in therapeutic change. (TE)

The symbiotic relationship between work and mental health requires counselor competence in both career and mental health counseling. Professional associations have developed competency statements and training standards that integrate psychopathology, career development theory, assessment techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, among other…

Examined the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic methods for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorders. Compared trauma desensitization, hypnotherapy, psychodynamic therapy and control condition for 112 persons suffering from serious disorders resulting from traumatic events in the past 5 years. Results indicated that treated cases were…

Relates therapeutic outcomes to moral development. Suggests that by addressing the problem of alienation, individuals evolve into moral agents who begin to perceive themselves, others, and the world in new ways. Warns that a person who experiences this moral restoration faces societal conditions which work against therapeutic change. (KO)

Describes use of individual psychodynamic treatment for child victims of intrafamily sexual abuse. Presents symptoms and psychological consequences of sexual abuse. Discusses specific techniques emphasizing communicative value of defense mechanisms and roles of clarification, confrontation, and interpretation. Provides three case examples to…

Claims since schizophrenia is reversible, professions involved in social control and those doing therapy face new responsibilities. Notes therapists can approach psychotic symptoms expecting the person to become normal. Describes goal as being to help people past periods of acute disturbance without doing them long-term harm. (Author/ABL)

Reviews issues relevant to the use of humor in children's therapy. Discusses applications in the following contexts: (1) psychodynamic psychotherapy; (2) behavioral treatments of phobias; (3) family therapy; and (4) purposeful use of games and stories. (FMW)

Explored validity and potential use of Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS). Subjects included 100 adults currently in psychotherapy, 100 adults not in psychotherapy, 32 who had previously sought treatment, and 41 college students. The results showed that the FOS differentiated between patients and nonpatients, but it measured only one general factor and…

Describes group psychotherapy at an inpatient, psychiatric hospital serving priests, nuns, and religious brothers. Discusses formation of and differences among four groups: a low-level group for sisters; an interactional group for sisters; a high-level, Gestalt-oriented group for sisters; and an interactional group for priests and brothers. (ABL)

Examines four methods of training therapists (didactic, skill training, experiential, and personal growth) and proposes combination of these methods as best means of training experiential therapists. Reviews current developments in manualization and adherence measurement in experiential approaches. Discusses advantages of context-sensitive,…