General Systems Theory: A Brief Commentory*

* At the broadest level, a general system might be considered as man's interrelationship with the total universe. The general system theorist attempts to describe in an increasingly comprehensive manner man's interrelationship with the vastness of the universe. General systems and creativity relate in the way that each deals with seeing the totality of a situation. Creative problem-solving processes develop ways of gaining new insights or perspectives as to how seemingly unassociated factors are relevently related to a problem. Similarly, the general system approach attempts to gain the most comprehensive view of a set of circumstances by interrelating them in new and meaningful ways.     

Evaluating the Impact of Multicultural Counseling Training

The authors agree that the multicultural counseling movement represents a powerful force with the potential of radically modifying the perspective of the entire counseling profession. To realize its full potential, however, much more research needs to be done within professional training programs to determine the types of instructional strategies that are most effective in terms of developing counselors who are sensitive and effective in working with persons from diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. This article reports on the results of a series of investigations designed to assess the impact of a comprehensive multicultural training model among different groups of graduate students. Implications for future research and training are also discussed. Los autores están de acuerdeo en que el Movimiento de Consejería Multicultural representa una fuerza con la potencia de modificar radicalmente la perspectiva de la profesión entera de consejería. Sin embargo, para cristalizar esta potencia, hay que hacer más investigaciones dentro de programas profesionales de entrenamiento para determinar los tipos de estrategiás instruccionales más eficaces con respecto a consejeros que trabajan sensiblemente y eficazmente con personas culturalmente, raciálmente, y étnicamente diversas. Este artículo presenta los resultados de una serie de investigaciones hechas para estimar el impacto de un modelo comprensivo de entrenamiento de consejería multicultural entre grupos diferentes de estudiantes graduados. También se discuten las implicaciones en las investigaciones y entrenamientos en el futuro.     

Tools and Techniques for Diagnosis and Evaluation in Marital and Family Therapy

This is a slightly edited version of a chapter to appear in a forthcoming book. ¹ It is a beginning attempt at codification of existing tools and techniques and is therefore nonexhaustive. The authors welcome feedback from readers concerning omissions and information on new techniques, references, and applicability to therapeutic settings.     

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.     

The Effects of Program Length and Participant Characteristics on Group Career-Counseling Outcomes

In this study the authors compare two group career decision-making courses with a comparison group on such factors as occupational certainty and satisfaction, appropriateness, and information-seeking behavior. The results were mixed, but generally the 20-session course was favored by study participants.     

A Sense of Home: The Impact of Church Participation on African American College Students

This articles looks at religion to ascertain the social and individual benefits that postsecondary students gain from their involvement. Focusing on public university students, this study examines the influence church participation has on the academic performance, retention, and engagement of African American college students.