Vaginismus includes both physical as well as psychological aspects that make vaginal penetration extremely painful if not altogether impossible. Aside from history, diagnosis rests on the physical examination. The most important considerations in therapy seem to be the patient's understanding of the problem and flexibility of approach. (Author)

Twice interviewed 13 psychotherapy clients about their experiences with helpful instances of therapist self-disclosure. Results indicate that helpful therapist self-disclosures resulted in positive consequences that included insights or a new perspective from which to make changes, an improved or more equalized therapeutic relationship,…

Investigated how the therapeutic process is associated with the retrieval of sexual abuse memories. A qualitative analysis of 11 adult women who identified themselves as victims of childhood sexual abuse resulted in the identification of 180 codes representing the participants' perspectives of therapy. Noteworthy codes were arranged into four…

The kinesthetic track back technique accesses the origins of current symptoms and may uncover previously repressed/dissociated material, if such material exists in the client's unconscious mind, is relevant to the symptoms, and is ready to be processed consciously. Case examples are given to illustrate proper use of this technique. (LSR)

Nondisclosures in supervision were studied for 108 supervisees. Supervisees reported an average of 8.06 nondisclosures ranging in importance level. Negative reactions to the supervisor were the most frequent type of nondisclosure. The most frequent reasons for nondisclosures were perceived unimportance, that the nondisclosure was too personal,…

Considers three empirically supported strategies that will strengthen counseling productivity: client assessment, matching of client and counselor, and relationship enhancement. Reviews of the literature on outcomes in counseling agree that counseling works. Research can also be used to identify strategies for increasing the probability of…

Summarizes how outcome research methodologies can be incorporated into counseling practice in many settings. Discusses the steps involved in performing an outcome or evaluative study, which is followed by specific information concerning instruments and techniques for use in the areas of mental health counseling, career counseling, and school…

Describes aspects of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). REBT shows how people can both create and uncreate many of their emotional disturbances. It is a theory of personality which avoids devotion to any kind of magic and supernaturalism and emphasizes unconditional self-acceptance, antiabsolutism, uncertainty, and human fallibility. (RJM)

Reviews some of the ethical issues that emerged during a study of 25 adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Discusses some cases where boundary issues became problematic; also discusses the dilemmas faced in working within a person-centered, qualitative approach. Examines considerations of counseling researchers and their trainers when…

Discusses challenges posed by reflexivity and the problem of unconsciousness. Argues that reflexivity demands scrutiny and articulation of the verbal, non-verbal and contextual components that define a particular research project. Presents examples of qualitative methods and the diverse approaches from which they proceed. (RJM)

Research has found a relationship between family variables, including the involvement of parents in their children's education, and student success. This article highlights the use of solution-focused therapy in a public school setting to address the needs of both students and families. (GCP)

Researches the efficacy of reality therapy and solution- focused brief counseling with elementary school students engaging in off-task behavior and demonstrates the utility of a single- participant design in conducting counseling research. Significant positive changes in the on-task behaviors of the students resulted from both approaches.…

Provides information about hypnosis. Uses research data to define hypnosis, discuss the relationship between hypnosis and memory, and present some possible benefits. Includes a chart with some common misconceptions about hypnosis and the corresponding true statement. (DDR)

Individuals can be envisaged as living within a number of parallel universes of discourse, where different meanings and values may apply. The inner and outer worlds of the counseling client also constitute different universes. Decisions made with respect to one universe may have different meanings or adverse consequences in another; it beholds the…