A transition is a short-term life change characterized by a sharp discontinuity with the past. Examples of transitions include job changes, marriages, births, divorces, death, vacations, and relocation. Transitions can be either positive or negative, voluntary or involuntary, on-time or off-time. Life transitions can be viewed by using metaphors…

On-line support groups provide an alternative to traditional support groups by linking grieving people who seek support, especially if support is not available in their local community. Furthermore, these groups can reduce the sense of isolation caused by geographical or physical/medical constraints and increase feelings of validations. Although…

The problem of human response to loss is complex. To approach understanding of this process it is valuable to use a number of models. Phenomenologically the application of a temporal matrix divides the reaction into three useful heuristic and empirical stages: initial, acute grief (1-3 months); mourning (1-2 years); and post-mourning, with no set…

Discusses emotional problems related to infertility investigation and treatment. Reviews causes and treatment of infertility, coping patterns, and the role of counselors and family life educators in easing the crises of infertility and facilitating successful resolution of associated emotional problems. (JAC)

Methods of coping with childhood sexual abuse were retrospectively studied with 54 adult women who had been sexually abused in childhood. "Denial" and "emotional repression" were the coping methods most commonly employed. Analysis suggested that avoidant/emotion suppressing strategies were associated with poorer adult psychological adjustment.…

Describes vocational maturity and assists counselors in identifying what the various career maturity instruments measure. Discusses task variable measures, intervening variable measures, response variable measures, and methods of choosing an instrument. (JAC)

This book explores how frontline trauma practitioners responded to the crisis of the terrorist attacks of September 11th. Also presented is state-of-the-art information on the psychology of terrorism and an examination of the traumatic impact of terrorism on those directly affected as well as the general population, illustrating ways that…

This book considers the dynamics and characteristics of the alcoholic family. The first part examines the alcoholic family. Needs such as security, love, and self-esteem, and defenses such as denial, rationalization, projection, regression, fantasy, displacement, and avoidance are discussed. Common denominators in the personalities of enablers…

In family counseling, the therapist must take into account the developmental level and contextual framework of the family. Within the family, anger can occur over both intrapersonal and interpersonal issues. The therapist must determine the cause for the anger, how it is manifest, and what it represents. Some possible causes for anger within the…

This book is intended to help parents, teachers, and counselors of school-age children who did not experience the loss of someone close to them in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, but who are still at risk for prolonged anxiety reactions. Although every child will react in a different way to these events, concerned adults must help…

Describes writing process of student-authored books, I Am the Author Books (ITAB), designed to move children through therapeutic process by assigning them to be experts in their own problem areas. Describes process of creating ITAB by narrating actual book guided by one of the authors working with fourth grade girl whose preschool-age sibling had…

Identifies demands that may pose a dilemma for elementary school counselors, categorizing these demands by their source: school principals, teachers, and parents. Provides specific examples for various types of demands presented by each source. Guidelines are provided to help counselor cope with dilemmas at the workplace. (NB)

How fears, phobias, anxiety and stress develop in elementary school students and how these students can be assisted in coping with fears and stress are discussed in this book. Part 1, "Discussion and Activities," contains six sections. Section 1 presents an overview of fears, and stress in children. Section 2 presents 12 fear-specific activities…

It is not uncommon for counselors to experience professional burnout due to a combination of circumstances including, among other things, unrealistic expectations, frustration, and a heavy workload. Society in general and schools in particular tend to emphasize accountability, measurable achievements, and quantitative results. This places a…

Division E of the American Educational Research Association is concerned with counseling and human development, yet these two components often appear to be poorly integrated. The integration of counseling and human development, however, is important both for scientific advance and for the provision of better service. A major goal for both…