Using a Bales-type observational system to code behaviors of two psychotherapy groups, sessions were statistically clustered according to their behavioral similarity. These clusters were compared to identify distinct phases of development. Although similarities were found, it was shown that different groups develop differently. (Author/BL)

Explores the application of the therapeutic strategic rite and explains its efficacy from a cognitive perspective. (Author)

Offers evidence that demand characteristics referring to changes in clients' self-concepts are the common factors in psychotherapies. Unassertive subjects (N=87) were assigned to four types of imaginary role playing. Only the demand characteristics condition increased significantly in assertiveness and self-esteem and decreased significantly in…

Describes relationship patterns in lesbian couples as varying systematically from relationship patterns in heterosexual couples. These patterned differences are addressed from a systemic perspective in five areas: distance regulation and boundary maintenance, sexual expression, financial arrangements, breaking up, and stage differences in coming…

Assessed whether depressed geriatric patients (N=33) would respond to group psychotherapy and, if they would respond differently to cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic modes. Results indicated that patients showed statistically and clinically significant reductions on observer-rated measures of depression and anxiety, as well as on self-report…

Draws on three literatures to clarify the nature of preference and to establish its relationships to expectation and similarity in the context of a participatory psychotherapy and counseling model. The effects of not meeting needs, not honoring preferences, and disconfirming expectations are seen as important considerations for therapy process and…

Reports the effectiveness of an orientation program for 29 psychotherapists who were beginning training at a large urban psychiatric outpatient clinic. Data indicated that therapists improved significantly in knowledge, sensitivity, and effectiveness as a result of the orientation program. (JAC)

Introduces a procedure to give supervision and feedback to students in training using written and verbal feedback as well as a rating scale to assess change in psychotherapy skills. Presents a case study as well as recommendations for future exploration. (LLL)

Describes three cases of adult-onset primary anorexia nervosa in males. For each case, the history and diagnostic patterns are considered, followed by a discussion of the course of outpatient treatment. The therapy was multimodal and included elements of behavioral contingency management, cognitive therapy, and dynamic psychotherapy. (JAC)

This study assessed individual psychotherapy outcome after systematically matching patients and therapists on a set of 11 psychological variables selected by factor-analytic techniques. Using therapists' ratings of therapy outcome as the criterion, five regression equations evolved that validly and reliably predict outcome for certain patient or…

This article reports major conclusions and implications of a national field study of trained and experienced psychotherapists. The study suggests psychotherapy effectiveness is generally minimal. These conclusions are primarily different from and not as positive as a similar but separate study of rehabilitation counselors and their clients.…

Integrating theory, research, and practical applications, this book provides a comprehensive examination of defense mechanisms and their role in both normal development and psychopathology. The author describes how children and adults mobilize specific kinds of defenses to maintain their psychological equilibrium and preserve self-esteem,…

For too many traumatized children and their families, chronic stressors such as poverty, substance abuse, and family or community violence--coupled with an overburdened care system--pose seemingly insurmountable barriers to treatment. This empowering book provides a user-friendly blueprint for making the most of limited resources to help those…

Treatment characteristics and methods were analyzed for 103 empirical studies of reading therapy, or bibliotherapy, from the United States and Canada conducted over the past two decades and retrieved from the PsychInfo database. A content analysis was performed on each study, and quantified data was reported and compared within and between two…

Conflict over appropriate treatment boundaries has been an issue since the time of Freud. To better understand these boundaries, some traditional, humanistic and feminist models which range from conservative, strict boundaries to more liberal or relaxed boundaries are considered here. The ethical considerations and implications of nonsexual touch,…