Interpreting Behavioral Genetic Results: Suggestions for Counselors and Clients

Treatment strategies often are premised on modifying either environmental factors or clients' interpretations of the interpersonal environment, which are assumed to be causing problem behaviors or emotional distress. A more complete analysis would take into account the role played by genetic transmission in an individual's personality, for example, intraversion- extraversion and sense of personal control, and in the occurrence of psychopathological disorders, such as depression. When developing interventions, both counselors and clients may be helped by behavioral genetic information (a) indicating the heritability of propensities or disorders as well as (b) confirming the importance of environmental influences that hold out the possibility of change.     

The Infertility Experience: Biopsychosocial Effects and Suggestions for Counselors

Infertility affects many individuals and couples. This article begins with a case study of a couple who have experienced infertility yet do not identify infer tility as their presenting problem. Clients and counselors alike often overlook infertility. This article offers an overview of the biology of infertility and its psychological and sociological effects. Counseling issues are presented to assist counselors to identify infertility as a concern and provide interventions.     

Understanding Gender and Culture Within the Context of Spirituality: Implications for Counselors

This article examines roles that gender, culture, and spirituality play in elements of therapeutic process. It presents an initial literature review of gender, culture, and spirituality as these factors relate to shaping identities and defining one's behavior. Discussions on how these 3 dimensions influence the level of understanding and effective responsiveness that competent counseling professionals should consider in a culturally and spiritually diverse society are presented. Three case studies provide a framework to illuminate the complexity that professionals face when counseling issues are viewed through unique gender, cultural, and spiritual worldviews. Implications for counselors and the counseling profession are provided.     

Empowering Ethnically and Racially Diverse Clients Through Prejudice Reduction: Suggestions and Strategies for Counselors

This article focuses on the persistent problems of prejudice in multicultural societies. Various theories of prejudice and other psychological, social, and political factors that contribute to prejudice are discussed. The salient feature of this article is the demonstration of several counseling theories and techniques as applied to case vignettes dealing with prejudice and racism.     

Assessment and Diagnosis of Eating Disorders: A Guide for Professional Counselors

Despite the prevalence of and risk associated with disordered eating, there are few guidelines for counselors on how to conduct an eating disorder assessment. Given the importance of the clinical interview, the purpose of this article is to provide recommendations for the assessment and diagnosis of eating disorders that (a) specifically focus on assessment in the context of a clinical interview and (b) can be used by counselors whether or not they specialize in eating disorder treatment.     

Assessment and DSM-IV Diagnosis of Personality Disorders: A Primer for Counselors

The DSM-IV categorizes 10 personality disorders, long-term patterns of personality traits that result in impairment of social and occupational functioning. The author details steps in the recognition and diagnosis of personality disorders, with emphasis on using the DSM-IV diagnostic framework.     

Culture and Gender Sensitive AIDS Prevention With Mexican Migrant Laborers: A Primer for Counselors

The purpose of this article is to explicate research-informed culture and gender sensitive AIDS prevention strategies aimed at Mexican migrant laborers living and working in the United States for extended time. This unique and extremely marginalized Latino population is yet another emerging high risk group for contracting the HIV virus. Counselors interested in applying their knowledge of psychology and minority groups to preventing such an AIDS epidemic will be challenged by the complex factors that frame this problem.     

Attachment: Implications for Counselors

This article discusses how attachment theory can be a useful strategy for producing therapeutic change and more productive client functioning. It also addresses the basic concepts of attachment theory and the parallels between counseling and attachment. A case example is provided to focus, integrate, and elaborate the elements presented.     

Spirituality and Religion: Implications for Counselors

In recent years, the topics of spirituality and religion have become more evident in the counseling literature. It seems logical that these areas could be of great interest to those in the counseling profession. This article summarizes W. R. Miller and C. E. Thoresen's (2003) overview of the field of research dealing with spirituality, religion, and health. Possible roles for spirituality and religion in counselor education and school counseling are highlighted.     

Pet Loss: Implications for Counselors

The general purpose of this article is to increase the awareness of counselors about the topic of pet loss. Specifically, this article discusses how counselors can be actively involved through practice, consultation, and research to help people deal with the emotional impact of pet loss.     

Hypnocounseling: Ericksonian Hypnosis for Counselors

Milton H. Erickson provided a wealth of therapeutic interventions that could be invaluable to counselors. The author describes hypnocounseling as an eclectic foundation, whereby Ericksonian hypnotic language patterns can be adapted by most counselors to their primary orientations and techniques.     

Feminism: Implications for Employment Counselors

Although the feminist movement has expanded job opportunities for women, there are many psychological and cultural barriers that prevent many women job seekers from taking advantage of these opportunities. A review of the recent literature on the counseling needs of women points out the role conflicts, cultural hostility, and institutional bias that keep some women out of the labor market and cause job-seeking and job adjustment problems for others. Awareness of these factors on the part of employment counselors will aid the smooth transition from home to career for women applicants.     

Preschool Assessment: Implications for Counselors

Paget, K.D., & Nagle, R.J. (1986). A conceptual model of preschool assessment. School Psychology Review, 15, 154–165. Wilson, C.C. (1986). Family assessment in preschool evaluation. School Psychology Review, 15, 166–179.     

Menopause: Salient Issues for Counselors

Counselors are in ideal positions to help change attitudes toward viewing menopause as a time of positive change, rather than a time of psychological distress. Following definitions and a review of historical, sociological, psychological, and attitudinal factors that account for negative responses associated with menopause, recommendations for counselor interventions are proposed.     

Herbaceuticals: An Overview for Counselors

As more and more people are using unregulated herbaceuticals worldwide, counselors need to be alert to the types of herbs clients may be taking; the effects, side effects, and drug interactions associated with different herbaceuticals; and the ethical implications of treating a client who is taking herbaceuticals. This article provides an overview of the psychological, physiological, cultural, and legal issues associated with herbaceuticals and introduces some of the emerging ethical issues.     

Nonverbal Communication: Information and Application for Counselors

The study of nonverbal communication has generated numerous hypotheses and theories but little that is directly useful to the practitioner. This article discusses the major controversies in the literature to provide an overview of the field. Concepts with practical application are then organized into a suggested model for interpreting nonverbal behavior in the actual counseling setting.