A Case of the Blind Leading the “Blind”: Reframing a Physical Handicap as Competence

Structural and strategic family therapy inform the course of treatment of a family with a blind member. Alteration of the family's view of the problem through reframing the blindness as competence is reported.     

An Introduction to the New DSM-III

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) published in 1980 is increasingly used by counselors. This article discusses and clarifies DSM-III's diagnostic system.     

Types of Paradoxical Intervention and Indications/Contraindications for Use in Clinical Practice

A review of theoretical mechanisms underlying paradoxical interventions is undertaken in an effort to classify them into three broad types: redefinition, symptom escalation and crisis induction, and redirection. A list of individual and family patient characteristics and problems particularly applicable to each type of paradoxical intervention is presented along with contraindications for use. Last, implications for training and cautions as to their use are presented.     

The Buros Institute of Mental Measurements: Commitment to the Tradition of Excellence

This article reviews briefly the history of the Buros Institute of Mental Measurements and then provides an overview of the expanded mission of the Buros Institute. The origins of the Mental Measurements Yearbook series are highlighted, along with discussions of goals and the evolving structure of the Yearbook series. In addition, the bibliographic reference series, Tests in Print, and the specialized monograph series are placed in historic perspective. Goals of the “new” Buros Institute of Mental Measurements, located at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, are also presented.     

Family of Origin Violence and Courtship Abuse

Research has shown that family of origin violence is related to later courtship and marital abuse. Few researchers, however, have distinguished between observed and received violence as a child and expressed and received abuse in adult relationships. Questionnaires addressing these issues were completed by 336 undergraduates. Results indicated that 75% of the sample had expressed threats or actual violence and 64% had received such abuse in an intimate relationship. Only 25% had been publicly identified as a result of the violence. In this sample, 30% had parents who abused each other. Less often, the mother (9.1%) or father (8.5%) had been the sole abuser. Most (76.4%) had been abused as children. Multiple regression indicated that being abused as a child predicted receiving and expressing violence as an adult.     

Résumé Preparation Workshop for University Students

A workshop to help university students prepare résumés is described and evaluated. Part of the workshop discusses the purpose of a résumé and describes its “advertisement” aspect. Another portion encourages participants to inventory their assets and experiences, and to gather information about their chosen occupational areas. The third segment of the workshop explains traditional formats, and the final segment offers suggestions for attractive layout and reproduction. Preliminary evaluations of workshop participants' and nonparticipants' résumés resulted in ratings that were higher for the workshop group. In general, it was found that persons who talk with counselors or friends about résumés produce more effective résumés than those who get their information only through reading materials. A pilot evaluation instrument is included. Implications of this study for counselors are discussed and suggestions for developing similar workshops are made.     

The Influence of Gender on Job Loss Coping Behavior Among Unemployed Managers

Using the Job Loss Coping Behavior scale (JLCB; Leana & Feldman, 1992), this article examines the behaviors of 131 unemployed male and female managers in coping with their Job loss. The results indicate that the men had significantly higher job search efficacy. The article's findings suggest that women may need more help in identifying a network of colleagues and friends to assist with then-Job search activities than men. The authors encourage employment counselors to be mindful of this finding and to help unemployed women to develop more appropriate proactive behaviors and skills that will assist them with their Job search activities.     

The Healing Circle: An Alternative Path to Alcoholism Recovery

Recovery from alcoholism has typically involved the program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). However, the values espoused by AA, especially those related to spirituality, can be in conflict with the values of traditional Native Americans. This article discusses healing methods founded in the traditions of Native American culture in general and the Oglala Lakota (also called Oglala Sioux) nation specifically. An understanding of these methods gives non-Native American counselors additional tools for guiding Native American clients to an effective program of recovery.     

Chaos and Change in a Suicidal Family

Chaos theory is an important paradigm shift in science that has significant implications for psychological theory and psychotherapy. The concepts evolving from chaos theory can help clinicians identify patterns in family interactions that are critical if transformations are to occur. This article explores a specific case example from the perspective of chaos theory. Observing how suicidal behavior becomes part of a pattern of family interaction may offer a framework for clinicians to observe the dynamics of chaos.