Why Ask,Why Tell? Teaching and Learning about Lesbians and Gays in Family Therapy

The article by J.K. Long (1996) in this issue of Family Process helps puncture the conventional secrecy around homosexuality, challenging the silence of many supervisors. In this commentary, I will expand on the themes raised by Long and offer some tangible steps we can take to teach and learn about lesbians/gays in couples and families.     

Dual diagnosis: Clinical issues in the treatment of substance abuse,and affective,personality, and psychotic disorders

Co-morbidity of alcohol and substance with the spectrum of other psychiatric diagnoses is examined with specific emphasis on diagnostic indicators for anxiety and mood disorders. Diagnostic issues for the chemically dependent person are examined with the context of borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Clinical research related to the dually-diagnosed patient is explored     

Dream-sharing groups,spirituality, and community

This article examines the phenomenon of dream-sharing groups and argues that these groups offer a valuable source of spiritual revitalization and community healing in contemporary Western society. The article traces the historical development of dream-sharing groups, analyzes the various forms they take, and discusses their relation to the secularization of the modern West. Two concrete examples are offered—one from a public high school, the other from a prison—to illustrate the power of dream-sharing groups to stimulate a deep and powerful sense of relatedness to others, enabling people to recognize a shared humanity in the midst of social and cultural differences.     

The dilemma of conscience in Christian belief: A pastoral perspective

This article describes the crisis of integrity experienced by a trinitarian Christian attempting to take seriously the results of current Jesus scholarship. It explores a number of traditional methods for reconciling the Jesus of history with the Christ of faith, and proposes a different paradigm, based on the structure of kairos time and the psychological dynamics of friendship.     

Clergy sexual misconduct: The affair everyone remembers

Reported instances of clergy sexual misconduct have risen significantly in recent years. Allegations of sexual misconduct have long lasting effects on the career of the clergy, the persons involved, and the congregations. A distinction is made between those clergy who engage in this behavior due to a personality disorder, and those who engage in sexual misconduct as a response to spousal or congregational conflict. In working with the women who have been sexually involved with the clergy, there needs to be a recognition of both the damage done to the woman and the woman's perception that some benefits may have resulted from this relationship. Congregations who have been through this experience will be reluctant to deal with it Unless there is ongoing consultation, there is an increased risk that the congregation will project their unresolved issues on the subsequent clergyperson thereby severely jeopardizing his or her chances of succeeding in the position. Arlene B. Brewster is a psychologist in private practice and is on the adjunct faculty of the Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine. Additional information may be requested by writing her at Associates in Counseling, #205 5500 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512.     

Suffering and sanctification: The religious context of Battered Women's Syndrome

Women who are physically and mentally abused by their partners have been described as suffering from Battered Women's Syndrome. An element of Battered Women's Syndrome is repeatedly returning to the abusive relationship, putting oneself at risk for further harm. Clinical case studies suggest that women who are strongly religious may believe it their duty to remain in abusive relationships to honor their marriage vows or to demonstrate their faith. This paper explores the basis of those beliefs and advocates a counseling perspective that frees abuse sufferers from a sense of obligation to their victimizers.     

The conversion of Paul

This essay extrapolates from recent psychological data on the phenomena of guilt and splitting to possible implications for the understanding of the experience of the Apostle Paul.     

Cognitive development: Pastoral implications

How people think influences how they feel, and this combination of thinking and feeling drives behavior. While ministers often have a good understanding of the emotional dimension of the people who seek their counsel, xthe importance of cognitive development has often been understated in their education and training. With this in mind, this article discusses seven developmental stages of cognitive development and how each stage affects daily behavior. This discussion is followed by four pastoral implications.