bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Counseling Counselors: A Survey of Values
Authors: NEUKRUG EDWARD S. , WILLIAMS GEORGE T.
Published: December 2011

This study surveyed counselors' rates of involvement in counseling, explored whether counselors value seeing therapists of a similar theoretical orientation to their own, and examined which characteristics were important in choosing one's therapist. Of 2,000 randomly selected ACA members, with a 38% return rate, 80% were found to have attended counseling, with women seeking counseling at significantly higher rates than men. Having been in counseling varied as a function of division affiliation as well as counselor's theoretical orientation. Finally, this study also explored the characteristics deemed important in choosing one's counselor and the values counselors hold regarding involvement in their own therapy.
RESPONSE TO “STEPS TOWARD A SCIENCE OF FREE WILL”: The Enduring Power of Agency and Control in Theoretical and Applied Psychology
Authors: Howard George S. , Mahoney Michael J.
Published: December 2011

This commentary addresses the origins and trajectory of the concepts of fate, will, agency, and determinism in Asian and Greco‐Roman cultures, provides an analysis of the role of these concepts in the evolution of theological doctrine, and discusses the so‐called “modern” and “post‐modern” trends of both glorifying and gutting the “generic” human being as an agent of existential choice.
The Shadow Side of Regressive Groups
Authors: McCLURE BUD A.
Published: December 2011

The inability of groups to address conflict, encourage dissenting views, and face their negative characteristics can result in destructive behavior toward others that remains largely outside the awareness of the individual members. These regressive group characteristics are examined and the behavior of the United States during the Persian Gulf war is used to highlight the discussion.
Counseling Services of Southern Baptist Colleges and Universities: A Descriptive Survey
Authors: HATCHER WAYNE , KENDRICK RON
Published: December 2011

This study surveyed the counseling services offered by Southern Baptist colleges and universities. Information was gathered about the types of services offered, the credentials of the staff offering services, perceived administrative attitudes toward counseling services, specific types of problems presented by students to counselors, and the relative frequency with which those problems were presented. Reported results were discussed in light of the implied mission of the Christian college to develop the whole student.
A Cross‐Cultural Comparison of Worldviews: American and Fijian Counseling Students
Authors: BERKOW DANIEL N. , RICHMOND BERT , PAGE RICHARD C.
Published: December 2011

The Scale to Assess World Views was administered to 104 Fijians and to 109 Americans who were all enrolled in counseling programs in their respective countries. Fijians and Americans were compared in order to determine whether the worldviews of counseling students in these two countries were different. Differences were found between the Fijian and American counseling students on the Human Relationships category and the Time Orientation Category. The Fijian Counseling students scored higher than the Americans on the Lineal‐Hierarchical and Collateral‐Mutual subscales of the Human Relationships Category and higher than the Americans on the Past and Future subscales of the Time Orientation Category.
Multicultural Counseling and Intrapersonal Value Conflict: A Case Study
Authors: HOLADAY MARGOT , LEACH MARK M. , DAVIDSON MICHAEL
Published: December 2011

The internal conflict between professional and personal values that counselors can experience when working with clients whose culture and values are different from their own is discussed. This is not a conflict between the counselor and the client, but is a conflict experienced within the counselor who is attempting to help resolve problems within the client's frame of reference, or worldview. A case study is presented that illustrates the senior author's experience in coping with a specific value conflict. It is suggested that as counselors become more proficient in multicultural counseling and more able to promote decision making from another's point of view, feelings of internal conflicts will decrease. Means of decreasing the likelihood of value conflicts are offered.
Another View of School Reform: Values and Ethics Restored
Authors: ANTES RICHARD L. , NARDINI MARY LOIS
Published: December 2011

The article discusses a need for action in teaching values and morality in the public schools to gain control of the social problems that hinder school learning. Moral and ethical education are necessary to support parents and the community in teaching appropriate civic and moral values. Problems affecting school learning were substantiated by data collected from a national sample of public school principals reporting an alarming number of serious problems in the schools related to the home and society. Through teacher education programs, teachers must be prepared to provide moral education. Suggestions are offered to address the moral education of children and youth.
I Am Who I Am and Who I Am Needs no Excuses
Authors: MATTSON DONALD L.
Published: December 2011

The journey to becoming a counselor may be long or difficult. For others, the journey is simply moving from one career to another. This is a summary of author's journey to become a counselor, including his experiences as a member of the clergy.
The Effects of Early Religious Training: Implications for Counseling and Development
Authors: HANNA FRED J. , MYER RICK A. , OTTENS ALLEN J.
Published: December 2011

The simplistic conception of god commonly taught to children is distinguished from the God of theology and philosophy. There is evidence that children feel a considerable amount of anxiety in connection with their deity. A thorough analysis of the god of childhood reveals that many children believe in and internalize an authoritative being who is both good and evil, kind and abusive. Modeling of this being can continue into adulthood and may have a continuing effect on cognition and behavior. Implications for counseling and development are discussed.
The Effect of Number and Type of Consulted Relationships on the Ethical Decision Making of Graduate Students in Counseling
Authors: COTTONE R. ROCCO , TARVYDAS VILIA , HOUSE GARY
Published: December 2011

The effect of number and type of consulted relationships on ethical decision making was assessed. Six versions of a 7‐point Likert‐type instrument were used. The instrument, The Decision‐Making Questionnaire, measured a change in decision from a neutral condition to reassessment of the decision under one of six conditions, measuring different relationship effects by number and type of consulted relationships. Scores changed significantly and linearly according to the number of consulted relationships. Additionally, a two‐way interaction between number (2 or 3) and type of consulted relationships (individual or conjoint) was found.
In Praise of Scholarly Reactions: Thoughts on Tinsley's and Mahoney's Insights
Authors: HOWARD GEORGE S.
Published: December 2011

The reactions of Tinsley and Mahoney raise important and challenging points. Such scholarly comments further our common goal of understanding the human capacity for freedom of the will.
The Prayer of Francis of Assisi: A Counselor's Prayer
Authors: GARRETT JOHN C.
Published: December 2011

The “Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi” is offered as a possible prayer for counselors and related to accepted ethical standards of professional counselors.
The Importance of Client Religious Beliefs and Practices in the Education of Counselors in CACREP‐Accredited Programs
Authors: PATE ROBERT H. , HIGH H. JENNIFER
Published: December 2011

Responses by heads of CACREP‐accredited programs to a survey indicate that client religious beliefs are considered to be important curricular components in just over half of the programs.
A Cross‐Cultural Comparison of the Worldviews of American, Chinese (From Taiwan), and Irish Graduate Counseling Students and Implications for Counseling
Authors: CHENG HSIAO‐PING , O'LEARY ELEANOR , PAGE RICHARD C.
Published: December 2011

This study compares the worldviews of 64 American, 37 Chinese, and 29 Irish graduate counseling students on the Scale to Assess World Views (SAWV; Ibrahim & Kahn, 1987). All of the students were master's students at universities in their respective countries. Results indicated that the Chinese were more individualistic than were either the Americans or the Irish, whereas the Irish saw human nature as more good than either the Chinese or the Americans.
Promoting Forgiveness: A Comparison of Two Brief Psychoeducational Group Interventions With a Waiting‐List Control
Authors: MCCULLOUGH MICHAEL E. , WORTHINGTON EVERETT L.
Published: December 2011

The authors studied the effects of 2 brief psychoeducational group interventions on participants' forgiveness for an offender and compared them with a waiting‐list control. The Self‐Enhancement group justified forgiveness because of its physical and psychological benefits to the forgiver. The Interpersonal group justified forgiveness because of its utility in restoring interpersonal relationships. Both groups led to decreased feelings of revenge, increased positive feelings toward the offender, and greater reports of conciliatory behavior. The Self‐Enhancement group also increased affirming attributions toward the offender, decreased feelings of revenge, and increased conciliatory behavior more effectively than did the Interpersonal group.
A Case for Uncertainty in Career Counseling
Authors: MILLER MARK J.
Published: December 2011

This article suggests that an important aspect of the career decision‐making process is the awareness that uncertainty (i.e., “1 don't know”) is normal, natural, and most likely unavoidable. The essential message of this article is that it is as useful, and even vocationally mature, to be both certain and uncertain about making a career decision.
Sexual Misconduct Within the Christian Church: Who Are the Perpetrators and Those They Victimize?
Authors: FRANCIS PERRY C. , TURNER NANCY R.
Published: December 2011

Reported incidence of clergy sexual misconduct is on the rise in the Christian church. This article reviews the literature describing those individuals involved in such misconduct. Included in this review are the characteristics of clergy, mostly men, who perpetrate the sexual abuse of others and an overview of the individuals, mostly women, who are victimized. An examination of the repercussions of this type of power abuse is included. Finally, a brief review describes what is being done by two Christian churches faced with clergy who have committed sexual misconduct.
Chaos Theory, Philosophically Old, Scientifically New
Authors: BÜTZ MICHAEL R.
Published: December 2011

In this article, the idea of chaos in relation to chaos theory will be explored in terms of its psychological meaning. Chaos theory has recently become a central area of scientific interest in psychology, and as a result it seems important to understand the deeper philosophical issues that surround the idea of chaos. Consequently, chaos will be explored in terms of its philosophical history through the ages, and some psychological speculations will be offered to explain both the disappearance and reemergence of such an important philosophical idea in modern science.
Beyond Theory and Practice: A Postmodern Perspective
Authors: BRENNAN CECILE
Published: December 2011

The insights of chaos theory and postmodernism can be applied by therapists to resolve the apparent conflict between theory and practice. Using the example of the modern scientist, the argument is made that for therapy to have integrity the therapist needs a theoretical foundation. This theoretical orientation, however, is tempered by a postmodern perspective that recognizes the finite nature of all theories. The therapist is encouraged to have a theoretical orientation, but not to become that orientation.
Chaos and Compassion
Authors: GELATT H. B.
Published: December 2011

This article suggests that if the implications of chaos theory are accepted by the counseling profession, rather than rejected as it was at first by physicists, then it should make compassion, rather than control, the new desired competence. Chaos theory has turned our perceptual world upside down. Chaos and creativity become two sides of the same coin and a theme for personal reflection and self‐renewal. Before chaos, Western society had no “scientific” tools to deal with disorder and unpredictability because science relied only on facts, on knowing. Reliance on faith, on believing, was left to religion. Now, when we see everything as connected to everything else in an unbroken wholeness, facts and faith and science and religion cannot be separated. Neither can order and chaos be separated. With chaos theory, knowing and believing are now seen as interconnected and both are considered authentic. Counseling should reflect this new authenticity.
Counseling Within the Forgiveness Triad: On Forgiving, Receiving Forgiveness, and Self‐Forgiveness
Authors: ENRIGHT ROBERT D.
Published: December 2011

The concept of the forgiveness triad—forgiving others, receiving forgiveness from others, and self‐forgiveness—is introduced and discussed. Each aspect is defined, presented as philosophically rational and therefore appropriate within counseling, and described within a psychological framework of how people go about that aspect of forgiveness. The interactions of the triad are described, showing how the counseling process that employs forgiveness strategies may become quite complicated. A counselor's awareness of all 3 aspects of forgiveness may lead to greater clarity in the therapeutic encounter. Implications for the helping professions and for moral development of the client are discussed.
Spiritual Experiences of Gay Men and Lesbians
Authors: BARRET ROBERT , BARZAN ROBERT
Published: December 2011

The spiritual and religious lives of gay men and lesbians are often misunderstood by counselors who have too little information about this rich and diverse population. This article offers an explication of the challenges facing gay persons, a model that will be useful in counseling sessions, and a list of resources for further information.
Valuing Spirituality Among Native American Populations
Authors: MATHESON LOU
Published: December 2011

Many non‐Indian professionals who believe they are using traditional Native American spiritual healing are under a mistaken, even dangerous, impression. They are led to believe that attendance in shamanistic ritual authorizes them to imitate what they have witnessed in their own therapeutic practice. This article introduces some of the tests of body, mind, and spirit that an Indian traditional seeker of spirit power must endure and the context in which these exercises are experienced. Spiritually focused people may relate and communicate on a noncognitive level, allowing for spiritual healing without counselors being invasive and risking disrespectfulness. The article refers to some aspects of cross‐cultural counseling that may be helpful as well as culturally and spiritually congruent.
Value Tensions Between Evangelical Christians and Christian Counseling
Authors: BECK JAMES R.
Published: December 2011

The evangelical wing of the American Protestant church has maintained an uneasy and uncertain relationship with the recently emerged Christian counseling movement. Whereas many evangelical Christian groups have been able to assimilate Christian counseling into their panoply of ministry tools, significant sections of this faith group remain very suspicious and doubtful that Christian counseling can be trusted. Most of the stated reasons given by these objectors revolve around theological reservations. This article, however, suggests that an even more powerful barrier between the two groups stems from significantly different values held by each. The article enumerates several of these value differences.
Cult Affiliation and Disaffiliation: Implications for Counseling
Authors: ROBINSON BETH , FRYE ELLEN M. , BRADLEY LORETTA J.
Published: December 2011

Between 2 and 5 million young adults are involved in cult groups in the United States. Psychohistorical influences, family dynamics, and religious values affect an individual's susceptibility to joining a cult. Cult affiliation affects the cult member and his or her family members. Although cults have high conversion rates, they also have high rates of disaffiliation. Counselors working with those who join and leave cults need to develop an awareness of clinical symptoms associated with doing so and use appropriate interventions.
Counselor Intentionality: Implications for the Training of Beginning Counselors
Authors: MILLER MARK J.
Published: December 2011

This article discusses how counselor intentions function within the process of counseling. Counselor intentions are discussed within the framework of the cognitive mediational paradigm. Implications of the use of counselor intentions for the training of beginning counselors are also delineated.
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Female Spiritual Development
Authors: REINERT DUANE F. , SMITH CAROLINE E.
Published: December 2011

Religiously involved lay women (N = 266), 31% of whom had been sexually abused in childhood, filled out the revised Spiritual Experience Index (SEI‐R). Results showed higher SEI‐R scores for the sexually abused group, with a more accepting attitude compared with those with a striving attitude. A subscale of the SEI‐R revealed that the sexually abused may turn to their faith and spirituality for support. Those with the highest educational achievements, Catholics, and those who experienced emotional abuse scored high on the Spiritual Openness subscale. Implications for spiritual development and counseling are discussed.
Religion and Spirituality in Variously Accredited Counselor Training Programs: A Comment on Pate and High (1995)
Authors: KELLY EUGENE W.
Published: December 2011

Accreditation standards for counselor preparation have the potential for bringing appropriate consideration of religious and spiritual issues into the training of counselors. This article extends Pate and High's (1995) study of CACREP‐accredited programs and includes data comparing the attention given to religion and spirituality in programs accredited by several different counselor and therapist‐training accrediting bodies.
Preserving Soul: Rescuing Diversity in the Managed Care Era
Authors: KOCHUNAS BRADLEY W.
Published: December 2011

With the advent of managed care, counselors risk having their approaches codified and limited to those interventions with empirically established outcomes and demonstrated effectiveness. The current emphasis on problem‐solving and solution‐focused counseling, though effective in many ways, is problematic and draws counselors away from deeper, more imaginative ways of working with clients. In this article, managed care approaches are viewed as being part of a larger cultural problem—the loss of soul. Counselors who find the current trends morally and aesthetically unappealing are encouraged to find other ways of surviving in the marketplace.
Relationship Between Humor Appreciation and Counselor Self‐Perceptions
Authors: KUSH JOSEPH C.
Published: December 2011

This study examined the relationship between humor appreciation and self‐perceptions of high school guidance counselors. Results indicated that humor appreciation was unrelated to self‐perceived counselor effectiveness, and that male and female counselors enjoyed similar types of humor. Counselors described their humor preferences as being extroverted, realistic, intelligent, and enjoying lighthearted and offbeat humor. Finally, counselors with more education perceived themselves as having less of a sense of humor.
Dual Relationships and Pastoral Counseling: Asset or Liability?
Authors: MONTGOMERY MARILYN J. , DeBELL CAMILLE
Published: December 2011

Dual relationships are proscribed in the standards of ethical conduct for most professional groups that provide counseling or psychotherapy. Dual relationships are thought to be unethical because they cloud the clinical judgment of the counselor and may present conflicts of interest that prevent the counseling relationship from being beneficial. Pastors frequently provide counseling for troubled persons or families, yet they often maintain other roles and relationships with these persons and families. This article addresses the issue of the inevitability of dual relationships in pastoral counseling. Courses of action for handling dual relationships in pastoral counseling are identified.
Sarah's Story: Using Ritual Therapy to Address Psychospiritual Issues in Treating Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: PARKER RADHA J. , HORTON H. SHELTON , WATSON TERRI
Published: December 2011

“Sarah's” story is a true account of one individual's healing from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse through counseling, spiritual growth, and the use of therapeutic ritual. The article explores the relationship between the psychospiritual issues associated with childhood sexual abuse and commonly designated treatment goals. Addressing psychospiritual issues is shown to be the key to achieving assimilation and healing. Ritual therapy is suggested as a method for helping clients accomplish this task through the discovery of metameaning. A description of Sarah's therapeutic ritual is offered as a model for treatment design, and its efficacy in Sarah's case is evaluated.
The Evolutionary Nature of Counseling and Values
Authors: MAHER LAURA JEANNE , MAHER MICHAEL FORREST
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this qualitative research study is to discover the evolutionary nature of Counseling and Values, the professional journal of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling. The authors used 4 recorded telephone interviews conducted with previous editors of the journal over the last 25 years as the principal source of data. Findings suggest that the evolutionary nature of the journal is characterized by a dynamic tension among 6 interrelated categories of influence. Implications of this research suggest the need for increased collaborative participation in support of professional journals between institutions and sponsoring associations and between diversity in readership and the professional forces that influence publication decision, as well as an increased openness between professional associations and the society that they serve.
Composing and Revising a Counselor's Narrative
Authors: HERMAN KEITH C.
Published: December 2011

In exploring his narrative as counselor, this author was led to new growth and insights. Defining the counselor's narrative may be an important supplement to client narrative therapy.
Health Beliefs, Religious Values, and the Counseling Process: A Comparison of Counselors and Other Mental Health Professionals
Authors: MYERS JANE E. , TRULUCK MICHAEL
Published: December 2011

A. E. Bergin (1985) studied the religious values and beliefs of mental health professionals and the relationship of those values to the counseling process. This study replicated Bergin's research with a sample of professional counselors. Differences were found in each of 10 beliefs areas and 10 values areas between the total sample in both studies. Within‐group differences revealed greater similarities between professional counselors and social workers and marriage and family therapists and greater differences between counselors and either psychologists or psychiatrists. Implications for counseling and counselor training are discussed.
Unethical Practice as Perceived by Mental Health Professionals: The Next Generation
Authors: GOLDEN LARRY , SCHMIDT SHIRLEY JEAN
Published: December 2011

Replicating a study done 15 years ago, the authors mailed a survey to psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, and marriage and family counselors who were listed in the San Antonio Yellow Pages to get information about their perceptions of the incidence of unethical practice. Results show a shift in perceived unethical practice over the 15‐year time frame.
A Stage Approach to Career Counseling With Christian Women
Authors: HUGHES ROSEMARIE SCOTTI , BRAME CYNTHIA M. , VAUGHN LEE ANNE , WARD LISBET
Published: December 2011

Almost 75% of married women ages 25–54 years are in the labor force in the United States. Many are in occupations that are below their potential or are not personally satisfying. Lack of role satisfaction can result in depression, but the career issues of women in treatment are often ignored. Christian women may be particularly vulnerable to role dissatisfaction. The authors offer a stage model for assessment of Christian women who present with symptoms of depression, in hopes of addressing issues of role satisfaction from work and lessening depressive symptoms.
The Gay Orientation: Does God Mind?
Authors: GRANT DARRYL , EPP LAWRENCE
Published: December 2011

Religion and spirituality can have serious negative or positive effects on the identity development of gay persons. The case of Robert illustrates how certain religious beliefs, stemming from literal and noncontextual interpretations of ancient cultural problems, may harm gay persons' development, and how a compassion‐oriented spirituality, reflecting contemporary theological and scriptural scholarship, can provide spiritual support. Applications for counseling are discussed.
Ethical Knowledge of Counselors
Authors: ZIBERT JACK , ENGELS DENNIS W. , KERN CAROLYN W. , DURODOYE BETH A.
Published: December 2011

This study attempted to gain a representative description of the ethical knowledge of the members of one of the largest state counseling associations in the United States, for the purpose of generating profiles of counselor ethical knowledge, making demographic comparisons, and seeking implications for counselor preparation and practice. It was also an effort to gather relative knowledge of these standards by counselors in one state. In a survey of a random sample of members, respondents made dichotomous ethical judgments of counselor behavior in 25 vignettes drawn from an ethics casebook. Ten demographic membership variables were defined, and the respective relationships of those variables to ethical knowledge were made. Ethical knowledge scores were compared with respect to professional membership division, sex, age, number of years of formal education, degree level, years of counseling experience, primary work setting, previous formal course work in ethics, counseling theory, and earned counseling credentials.
Ethics in Publication
Authors: JONES KARYN DAYLE
Published: December 2011

This article describes ethical dilemmas in publication and provides recommendations for guidelines involving publication ethics. Counselors may be confronted with a variety of ethical dilemmas such as authorship issues, student‐professor research, plagiarism, and other publication problems. The American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (ACA, 1995) provides only general information regarding publication ethics for counselors and researchers.
Christian Counseling: An Emerging Specialty
Authors: CARTER RICHARD B.
Published: December 2011

The emerging professional specialty of Christian counseling is examined in light of its development, theoretical underpinning, training, and roles. Also examined are the various approaches to Christian counseling. Finally, a rationale for classifying Christian counseling as a separate specialty is presented.
Spiritual Maturity and Mental Health: Implications for Counseling
Authors: REINERT DUANE F. , BLOOMINGDALE JOHN R.
Published: December 2011

Evidence was found to support the validity of Genia's (1997) spiritual maturity typology. Participants (N = 256) were categorized as spiritually growth‐oriented, transitional, dogmatic, or underdeveloped. Those in the underdeveloped and dogmatic groups seemed to be more emotionally distressed than those in the growth oriented group. The authors also formed a group, based on scores above the mean on both the Dissociation Scale and the Sexual Abuse Trauma Index (SATI) of the Trauma Symptom Checklist‐40 (TSC‐40; Elliott & Briere, 1992), that they hypothesized were traumatized in childhood. They found that those individuals, compared to the nontraumatized persons, experienced lower levels of spiritual support and were more symptomatic on mental health measures. The traumatized women, especially, experienced psychological distress, particularly in areas of depression, anxiety, and sexual problems. Although trauma generally was associated negatively with spiritual development, some traumatized persons also scored among the spiritually growth oriented, suggesting that such trauma is not associated in all cases with a detrimental effect in the process of spiritual development.
Returning to the Feminine Ground
Authors: SCHLECHT DEAN
Published: December 2011

A case study is described of an adult male European American client who experienced spontaneous spiritual imagery while participating in a visualization meditation during a counseling session. The symbolism of the imagery is discussed in light of A. Deikman's (1997) concepts of receptive and instrumental consciousness.
Rachel's Story: A Transpersonal Experience
Authors: HOLDEN JANICE MINER
Published: December 2011

This article presents a case study in which a client's transpersonal/religious/spiritual experience facilitated the achievement of her counseling goal. Through the paranormal experience, she resolved several of her conflicts, including a new appreciation of the church from which she had become estranged.
How Do People Conceptualize and Use Forgiveness? The Forgiveness Attitudes Questionnaire
Authors: KANZ JASON E.
Published: December 2011

This study was completed for 2 purposes: to explore how people use and conceptualize interpersonal forgiveness and to introduce the Forgiveness Attitudes Questionnaire (FAQ), an instrument designed to explore forgiveness. The instrument was administered to 155 students from 2 midwestern colleges. Results suggest that the FAQ shows early promise as an instrument for exploring interpersonal forgiveness, although further validity studies are required. The implications of the results are discussed and suggestions for future research are provided.
Vocational Souljourn Paradigm: A Model of Adult Development to Express Spiritual Wellness as Meaning, Being, and Doing in Work and Life
Authors: Brewer Elizabeth W.
Published: December 2011

The author invites counselors to consider integrating spiritual, philosophical, and psychological ideas regarding work and life to encourage client well‐being. The Vocational Souljourn Paradigm is a model that can be used with adult clients who are exploring their work and life choices in a holistic and spiritual context. The variables meaning, being, and doing and the work paths Job, occupation, career, and vocation are defined. The model explains how dynamic interactions of meaning, being, and doing can propel an individual into a particular work/life path.
Relational Conversation: Meaningful Communication as a Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Ferch Shann R.
Published: December 2011

The author makes a distinction between communication that deepens a relationship and communication that resolves conflict. An approach to therapy, relational conversation, is presented in which meaningful conversation is designed to increase relational fortitude and promote a consistent level of intentional and loving connection. The approach is based on the body of literature that supports the theory that good communication is important to good relating.
Addressing Spiritual Issues in Secular Counseling and Psychotherapy: Response to Helminiak's (2001) Views
Authors: Watts Richard E.
Published: December 2011

D. A. Helminiak (2001) suggests that counselors who work within the framework of a client's chosen religious or spiritual perspective are illegitimately responding to spiritual issues in counseling. In contrast to this position, this article affirms that spiritually sensitive counselors who work within the religious or spiritual framework of clients can practice both ethically and effectively and can generate useful research examining the relationship between spirituality and successful therapeutic outcomes.
Rejoinder and Clarifications on Helminiak's (2001) “Treating Spiritual Issues in Secular Psychotherapy”
Authors: Helminiak Daniel A.
Published: December 2011

This article responds to 3 response articles and, discerning fundamental and deeply felt differences of opinion, notes in the articles (a) insistence on importing religion into psychotherapy, (b) serious misunderstanding about the proposed psychology of spirituality, (c) argument primarily by appeal to authority, and (d) a remarkable amount of imprecision and ad hominem comments. Specifically, R. E. Watts (2001) confounds religion and spirituality in championing clients' spirituality; B. D. Slife and P. S. Richards (2001) curiously argue that all psychotherapy is theological and, to this extent, is immune to criticism; and A. Marquis, J. M. Holden, and E. S. Warren (2001) uncritically embrace Eastern metaphysics, which ultimately disqualifies Western psychological concern for evidence and conceptual coherence. Offering clarifications, this article suggests that the target article deserves further consideration.
Existential Authenticity: A Foundational Value for Counseling
Authors: Miars Russell D.
Published: December 2011

Adopting an existential perspective in counseling is often viewed as inapplicable or a luxury for most clients. The author challenges these commonly held misconceptions. The concept of existential authenticity is presented as an organizing ethic that can bring out the positive side of existentialism in counseling. Specific values and conditions that the counselor can adopt to create an existential foundation for counseling practice are presented. The author concludes that actively incorporating these existential values into the counseling process can deepen the impact of the therapeutic work.
Effectiveness of Abstinence‐Based Sex Education Curricula: A Review
Authors: Toups Melanie L. , Holmes William R.
Published: December 2011

Teenage premarital sexual activity has become an important concern for parents and educators in recent years. Many attempts have been made to address this problem in order to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. The authors review some of those efforts and attempt to identify the approaches that seem to be effective. Implications for research are also presented.
Research and Theory: Spirituality and Counseling Class: A Teaching Model
Authors: Curtis Russell C. , Glass J. Scott
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this article is to introduce the content taught by the second author in a class titled “Spirituality and Counseling” and to evaluate its effectiveness in increasing students' confidence in integrating spirituality in counseling. Specific interventions taught included the focusing method, a forgiveness model, the prayer wheel, and meditation. Results of the pilot study are reported, and implications for future classes are discussed.
Relations Among and Between Career Values and Christian Religious Values
Authors: Lewis Mary Miller , Hardin Susan I.
Published: December 2011

Empirical research and vocational theory indicate that values are important in career counseling and vocational choice. Development of these values is influenced by environmental factors, such as religion. However, there are few empirical investigations of the relation between religious values and career values. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of career values to Christian religious values as they might be assessed in career counseling. Results indicate that there was some overlap between religious and career values, although only for specific extrinsic values.
In Memoriam: A Tribute to Sister Mary Thomas Burke: A Spiritual Light Goes Out While Lighting Thousands More
Authors: Snow Stephen
Published: December 2011

All of us who met Mary Thomas know the wonder, integrity, and warmth of our beloved Mary Thomas. Who better to help us remember her than her students?

—Dennis W. Engels
Collaboration Between Clergy and Mental Health Professionals: A Review of Professional Health Care Journals From 1980 Through 1999
Authors: Weaver Andrew J. , Flannelly Kevin J. , Flannelly Laura T. , Oppenheimer Julia E.
Published: December 2011

Given the frontline role of community clergy in mental health care, this study examined how collaboration with clergy was viewed by mental health and other health professionals outside of the religious community. Searches of health care journals on Medline and PsycINFO yielded 44 articles from non‐religious journals from 1980 through 1999 that specifically addressed collaboration between clergy and mental health professionals. Seven themes were identified through content analysis, including the benefits of collaboration to each profession, the need to increase the clergy's knowledge about mental heath, and the importance of referrals. Discussion about interdisciplinary referrals significantly increased over time, rø (1, N = 44) = .31, p < .05).
Empathy, Selfism, and Coping as Elements of the Psychology of Forgiveness: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Konstam Varda , Holmes William , Levine Bethany
Published: December 2011

This research expanded understanding of forgiveness by (a) distinguishing forgiveness from unforgiveness and their respective correlates (empathy and selfism) and (b) examining coping style and its impact on the process of forgiveness and unforgiveness. Participants were 92 students in a large northeastern urban public university. Correlates of forgiveness and unforgiveness were distinctly different. With respect to forgiveness, 42% of the variance was explained by the variables under study. Emotion‐focused coping was associated with forgiving. Clinically relevant issues were raised, specifically regarding the role of selfism and emotion‐focused coping and contextual variables such as financial resources, age, gender, and religiosity.
Healing Principles: A Model for the Use of Ritual in Psychotherapy
Authors: Cole Valerie L.
Published: December 2011

The author presents a model, based on 5 healing principles (i.e., centering, assessment, gathering energy, directing energy, and gratitude and closure), for using ritual in psychotherapy. Application of the model is illustrated in a case study of a neopagan ritual designed to assist the client in strengthening her sense of self, differentiating from her mother, and making a career decision. The author also suggests using the Healing Principle Ritual Therapy Model with other belief systems.
A Preliminary Investigation of the Role of Religion for Family Members of Lesbian, Gay Male, or Bisexual Male and Female Individuals
Authors: Lease Suzanne H. , Shulman Julie L.
Published: December 2011

Religious faith is an important aspect of many people's lives, but the doctrinal teachings of many faiths are that homosexuality is a sin. Little is known about the impact of these teachings on the family members of lesbian, gay male, or bisexual male and female (LGB) individuals. Eighty‐eight family members of LGB individuals were surveyed regarding the role of religion in acceptance of their family member and how they reconciled any conflicts between religious beliefs and family member's sexual orientation. The most commonly identified theme was believing that the unconditional love associated with God extended to their LGB family member. Implications for counselors are discussed.
The Impact of Al‐Islam on the African American Population
Authors: Lumumba Hakeem
Published: December 2011

At the beginning of the 21st century, there seems to be a growing interest in the Islamic religion, or Al‐Islam, in the African American community. This interest is evidenced by the recognition that Al‐Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States. In some cases, Muslims outnumber some of the traditional religions in America. In addition, of the 5 million Muslims in the United States, approximately 40% are African Americans. This article explores different aspects of Al‐Islam, including the beliefs and religious practice of Muslims; the historical relationship among Africa, African Americans, and Al‐Islam; and the current and future implications for African Americans.
Facilitating Spiritual Meaning‐Making for the Individual With a Diagnosis of a Terminal Illness
Authors: Johnson Laurie Shepherd
Published: December 2011

Despite increasing acknowledgment of the importance of addressing the spiritual dimension in the therapeutic process, there is still limited energy devoted to fostering in counselors the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to facilitate the spiritual well‐being of their clients. This deficit is most dramatically felt when working with individuals who are diagnosed with a terminal illness. In this article, counselors are encouraged to recognize the value of incorporating the spiritual domain in their work and are offered some strategies that can be used to promote meaning‐making when working with clients with limited life expectancy. The use of rituals and expressive activities is highlighted.
Recognizing Spirituality as an Important Factor in Counselor Supervision
Authors: Bishop D. Russell , Avila‐Juarbe Efrain , Thumme Beverly
Published: December 2011

Despite the recent, growing emphasis on spirituality in the counseling and psychotherapy literature, information regarding spirituality and the supervision process is limited. The purpose of this article is to help supervisors and supervisees enhance awareness of spiritual values in supervision. Factors such as counselor competency, conceptualization of spirituality, cross‐cultural awareness, and the similarity of clients' and counselors' values form a foundation for developing effective intervention and supervision strategies. A series of research questions is proposed to spur a program of empirical exploration.
Religious Diversity From a Jewish Perspective
Authors: Levitt Dana Heller , Balkin Richard S.
Published: December 2011

The exploration of spiritual and religious diversity may receive less attention in counselor education than is warranted, resulting in counselors who are unprepared to deal with spiritual and religious issues in counseling. This trend could have a negative impact on Jewish clients, as well as on other religious clients, who feel that issues related to their identity are ignored. The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (2001) has recognized that religious diversity is an integral component of the multicultural counseling movement, but counselor education and training programs, as a whole, still need to embrace this standard.
Integral Psychology: My Spiritually Based Guiding Metatheory of Counseling
Authors: Holden Janice Miner
Published: December 2011

This article explains the author's guiding theory of counseling based on her understanding and adaptation of K. Wilber's (2000b) integral psychology (IT). She discusses, from an IT perspective, how the psyche develops and changes and the role of counseling in change. She explains her particular resonance to IT, which she considers an inherently developmental, multicultural, systemic, and spiritual metatheory that brings order to the multiplicity of other counseling theories. The author hopes that readers will find in this article both a useful contribution to their own counseling perspectives and practices and a stimulus for further discourse regarding the infusion of spirituality into counseling.
Midlife Transition and Women's Spirituality Groups: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Geertsma Elisabeth J. , Cummings Anne L.
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this preliminary study was to describe midlife transition, spirituality, and healing of relationships for members of women's spirituality groups. Ten women completed the Spiritual Well‐Being Scale (R. Paloutzian & C. Ellison, 1982) and a 45‐minute interview about spirituality, religion, life transitions, relationships, and beneficial aspects of women's spirituality groups. Qualitative analysis found themes to describe spirituality: connection with a Higher Power, personal choice, connectedness with nature and people, healing, and support. The women viewed spirituality and religion as separate, yet connected, entities. Benefits of women's spirituality groups included the groups' being therapeutic, providing valued relationships, and providing social support.
Ethics Education in CACREP‐Accredited Counselor Education Programs
Authors: Urofsky Robert , Sowa Claudia
Published: December 2011

The authors present the results of a survey investigating ethics education practices in counselor education programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs and counselor educators' beliefs regarding ethics education, Survey responses describe current curricular approaches to ethics education, content, and instructional methodologies used in counselor education. The survey also ascertained information regarding counselor educators' beliefs about ethics education and their abilities to teach ethics. Implications for counselor education, professional development and suggestions for further research are discussed.
The College Campus Ministry Internship Site: Interfacing Religion and Counseling
Authors: Aten Jamie D.
Published: December 2011

This article presents a model for creating internship sites at college campus ministries for students interested in interfacing religion and counseling. More specifically, a systematic process that students can implement in developing these unique training opportunities is provided. Developing campus ministry internship and other training sites can afford students opportunities for (a) specialized supervised experience working with religiously committed individuals, (b) providing consultation and program evaluation services, and (c) becoming a liaison who has the opportunity to influence and educate the next generation of religious leaders and members about mental health issues.
Therapists' Integration of Religion and Spirituality in Counseling: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Walker Donald F. , Gorsuch Richard L. , Tan Siang‐Yang
Published: December 2011

The authors conducted a 26‐study meta‐analysis of 5,759 therapists and their integration of religion and spirituality in counseling. Most therapists consider spirituality relevant to their lives but rarely engage in spiritual practices or participate in organized religion. Marriage and family therapists consider spirituality more relevant and participate In organized religion to a greater degree than therapists from other professions. Across professions, most therapists surveyed (over 80%) rarely discuss spiritual or religious issues in training. In mixed samples of religious and secular therapists, therapists' religious faith was associated with using religious and spiritual techniques in counseling frequently, willingness to discuss religion in therapy, and theoretical orientation.
The Only Way Out Is Through: The Peril of Spiritual Bypass
Authors: Cashwell Craig S. , Bentley Paige B. , Yarborough J. Preston
Published: December 2011

Given the increased attention to spirituality in the counseling literature, with a primary emphasis on helping clients find their spiritual path, it is important for counselors to be aware of one potential pitfall of the spiritual path, namely spiritual bypass. Spiritual bypass occurs when clients seek to use their spiritual beliefs, practices, and experiences to avoid genuine contact with their psychological “unfinished business.” The purpose of this article is to define spiritual bypass, discuss the necessity of healing at the cognitive, emotional, and physical levels, as well as at the spiritual level for holistic wellness, and provide examples of clients in spiritual bypass.