Showing papers in "The Counseling Psychologist in 1985"

The Relationship in Counseling and Psychotherapy Components, Consequences, and Theoretical Antecedents

Abstract: This two-part article suggests ingredients in the therapy relationship that are common to all interventions. It then examines similarities and differences in how the relationship works within the three dominant approaches to therapy. The overall aim of the article is to restimulate research and theory on the relationship. The first part defines the relationship and proposes three components to all therapeutic relationships: a working alliance, a transference configuration, and a real relationship. Five propositions are offered about the operation of each component within and across theoretical orientations. The second part examines how views of the relationship in perspectives broadly labeled psychoanalytic, humanistic, and learning vary according to three theoretical dimensions: the centrality, real-unreal, and means-end dimensions. Central research findings are reviewed for each theoretical perspective, the current state of research is examined for each, and suggestions are offered for future directions.

From Passive Acceptance to Active Commitment A Model of Feminist Identity Development for Women

Abstract: This article presents a model of feminist identity development for women. The model is derived, in part, from Cross's (1971) theory of Black identity development and is based on the premise that women who live in contemporary society must first acknowledge, then struggle with, and repeatedly work through their feelings about the prejudice and discrimination they experience as women in order to achieve authentic and positive feminist identity. The stages in this process include passive acceptance, revelation, embeddedness-emanation, synthesis, and active commitment. Implications of the model are outlined for women, nonsexist and feminist psychotherapies and contemporary society.

The Sociopolitical Nature of Counseling

Abstract: Counseling is a sociopolitical act. However, many counselors are unaware of the fact that the profession has at its core a set of cultural values and norms by which clients are judged. In order to make the counseling psychology field more responsive to the needs of multicultural populations, the profession must be willing to engage in self-examination. This article explicates how White culture serves as the foundation for counseling theory, research, and practice. The use of this theory base with multicultural populations is explored and specific recommendations for the field of counseling psychology are presented.

Ethnic Minorities Life Stress, Social Support, and Mental Health Issues

Abstract: This article examines the various types of life stresses that members of racial minority groups experience A model of the life stress process is presented, and several hypotheses are offered to describe the situation of members of ethnic minority groups with respect to life stress Propositions leading toward a cross-cultural theory of life stress, ethnicity, and culture are presented A dominant theme is that culture forms the context in which stressful life events derive their meaning Each culture has its own barometer for measuring the stressfulness of any life event There are culturally patterned ways of viewing and responding to stressor stimuli The Stress, Resistant, Delivery (SRD) model is presented as a theoretical framework for counseling members of ethnic minority groups

Effective Cross-Cultural Counseling and Psychotherapy A Framework

Abstract: This article presents strategies to enhance effectiveness in cross-cultural counseling and psychotherapy encounters. A major assumption is that a coherent orientation is needed that includes cultural differences yet transcends these differences and organizes the human experience in the context of individual world views within the framework of existential philosophy. An understanding of one's own world view and the client's world view are key elements in enhancing cross-cultural effectiveness. Other strategies that can enhance cross-cultural counseling and psychotherapy include a discussion on the knowledge of semantic structures of reasoning and an understanding of culture-its premises and its relationship to effectiveness in cross-cultural counseling and psychotherapy.

Issues in Testing and Assessment in Cross-Cultural Counseling

Abstract: A survey of several major issues and problems associated with testing and assessment across cultural or ethnic boundaries is presented. Included, for example, are brief discussions of such issues as levels of equivalence, nonverbal communication, expectations and beliefs, client-counselor similarities, test bias, and response styles. The presentation is intended for counselors who are not very familiar with either cross-cultural methodological problems or the major obstacles hindering more effective assessment during cross-cultural counseling and psychotherapy. In addition, three very popular tests-the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, the Thematic Apperception Test, and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test- are used to highlight some of the issues and problems in cross-cultural assessment.

Variations on a Theme by Kolb: A New Perspective for Understanding Counseling and Supervision

Abstract: Both counseling and supervision of counseling are seen as complex learning situations that may be analyzed from the standpoint of an experiential learning model. This perspective-based on the work of David Kolb-identifies four modes of experience, each of which is involved in an experiential learning cycle. These modes of experience-Concrete Experience (CE), Reflective Observation (RO), Abstract Conceptualization (AC), and Active Experimentation (AE)-must all be accessible to the learner (client or student counselor) for optimum functioning. An analysis of clinical dialogue between client and counselor and between counselor-in-training and supervisor is used to demonstrate that effective counseling and supervision demands that all four modes of experience be available to the clinician and that treatment be seen as making these modes available to the client.

Toward a Meta-Theory of Consultation

Abstract: The practice of consultation has proliferated wildly over the past two decades. With this growth have come steady advances in consultation methods, but conceptual and empirical foundations remain at a rudimentary level. This article critiques existing conceptions of consultation and identifies factors inhibiting construction of cogent theory. To break the current impasse, a new paradigm, a meta-theory of consultation, is proposed. Counseling psychologists are challenged to use their unique strengths to assist in the evolution of theory, research, and practice of this important social service.

Counseling for Health

Abstract: Good health and chronic diseases exist essentially as matters of habit as well as context in how people routinely go about the business of everyday living. Recently the crucial roles of behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors in health and disease have been recognized, giving rise to the new fields of health psychology and behavioral medicine. The growing complexities involved yield a host of conceptual, methodological, and clinical problems. Examples include narrow definitions of health and disease, abuse of statistical significance testing in research, and confusing conceptualizations of chronic stress. To illustrate treatment possibilities, several ongoing broadly based intervention programs in the cardiovascular disease area are discussed. The many ways in which counseling psychologists might participate in problem areas in the health field clearly offer exciting challenges and opportunities.

Consultation Interventions Successes, Failures, and Proposals

Abstract: Intervening with an intervention is to enter into a human or organizational system of relationships for the purpose of making a helpful difference. If done properly, interventions can transform deficits into assets, initiate influence in the proper places, and create a climate for creative problem solving. Selecting the proper intervention is preceded by understanding the problem context, completing an accurate diagnosis, including the assessment of system variables that will support or hinder a given intervention, taking ownership of the problem, and determining consultee client readiness. Intervention failures are caused by too much or too little diagnosis, by setting goals impossible to reach, or by implementing the wrong intervention. In addition, because of the intricacies of selecting and implementing the proper intervention, it is essential that the consultant's definition of consultation be articulated to the consultee.

A Reflection on the Status of Racial/Ethnic Minority Research

Abstract: This article provides a nonexhaustive and critical review of selective research on client-counselor variables to exemplify the type and status and/or quality of work conducted on racial/ethnic minorities. In addition, specific and generic methodological and professional recommendations for improving the quality of research across topics and variables are proposed.

The Preservice Training and Supervision of Consultants

Abstract: According to surveys conducted over the past 10 years, counseling psychologists are increasingly involved in consultation roles. Strangely, the professional counseling psychology literature has virtually ignored the development of consultation skills. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the issues and problems in developing consultation skills and outline a supervisory model that can be employed by practicum and internship supervisors interested in developing consultation skills. The reciprocal relationships model that is presented is rooted in social learning theory. It attempts to explain the relationship among cognitions, behavioral, and environmental variables in the supervisory process. Specific recommendations are made for remedying particular problems that may arise during the course of supervision.

Methods of Studying Persons

Abstract: A method is described that permits answering research questions of general importance by examining individuals in a comprehensive, whole-person manner. The method requires that research questions be formulated in advance and that the person studied be carefully selected for suitability. It also requires the acquisition and analysis of data on symbolic structures, which are systems of meaning and action that define personal identity. Q-technique and the role repertory test are valuable techniques for use in research with individuals. Their use in two studies of persons with spinal cord injuries is described.

Ethics of Consultation The Canterville Ghost

Abstract: This article presents an overview of the ethical issues relevant to the counseling psychologist who includes consultation as one of his or her areas of expertise. The existing Ethical Principles of Psychologists are not readily adapted to the practice of consultation; therefore, the possible ethical pitfalls need to be highlighted. Such pitfalls might be viewed as clustering in two global categories: (1) the competencies that the consultant brings to the consulting relationship and (2) the responsibilities that the consultant assumes as he or she provides services to consultees. Under the domain of consultant competencies, the major issues are education and training in consultation; identifying who or what is the client/consultee system and to whom or what the consultant has major responsibility; and determining client/consultee needs and goals as compared to consultant needs and goals. Under the domain of consultant responsibilities, the major responsibilities/issues are presenting qualifications accurat...

Cultural and Ethnic Content of the 1977 to 1982 American Psychological Association Convention Programs

Abstract: The 1977 through 1982 annual convention programs of the American Psychological Association (APA) were analyzed for cultural and ethnic content. These years were of interest as they coincide with the emergence of APA policy statements in support of cultural awareness. The examination of these programs via presentation titles revealed that 5.6% of the total convention time was allotted to general cultural processes or to national, racial, or ethnic groups. Of the studies specifying nationalities, the Americans (the United States) received the largest percentage of time. All of the major racial and ethnic groups within the United States were represented. The amount of programming for cultural and ethnic topics remained at low levels and showed no consistent trends, suggesting that it was not influenced by the professional rhetoric. The implications for these findings are discussed with particular attention to counseling psychology.