Our commentary highlights the authors' conceptual and empirical contributions for understanding the incidence and dynamics of varying types of adoption breakdowns and their impact on adopted youth and their families. Important distinctions are made between legal, residential, and psychological/relational permanence for children. To date, most…

In writing about the Circle of Courage, Martin Brokenleg and his co-authors brought together different professions, racial backgrounds, and upbringing (Brendtro, Brokenleg, & Van Bockern, 2002). While the Circle of Courage philosophy transcends culture, they initially used Native American images and stories to express these ideas. Because…

The published psychological literature on the developmental milestone that is the doctoral dissertation emphasizes either psychological interpretations or practical strategies as ways to help, each often failing to note the critical importance of the other. Clinicians need to understand underlying psychological issues that may complicate the…

The best education no doubt comes from a student staying in one school system from elementary to high school. Some students are fortunate to have a consistent education; some are not as fortunate. Continuity in instruction, learner outcomes, emotional stability, and social relationships prevail when students live in one location as long as…

Discusses characteristics of men arrested for spouse abuse and describes treatment methods that evaluative research suggests curtail domestic violence. A small-group educational format for court-referred treatment of abuse is described. (Author/ABB)

The genogram can be used in an initial interview, as an organizing conceptual approach to the study of a family system. As a family tree, the genogram is a portrait of a family system over time and space. It's a structural diagram of a family's three-generational relationship system--an overview of emotional problems within the context of the…

Recommends that family therapists be aware of the dynamics of the malfunctioning family which affects the process of alcoholism. Describes a family program which is part of a comprehensive alcoholism treatment program. Individual and group intervention address the family problems set in motion by alcoholism. (Author/JAC)

Discusses the problems of battered women in terms of four types of battering, the incidence and significance of battering, and theories of the causes of battering. Presents psychological profiles of battered women and men who batter and describes the role of Hiatus House, a residential shelter in Ontario. (JAC)

This paper hypothesizes about the occurrence of double-binds in incestuous families and proposes a method of treatment which attempts to help adult women who were sexually abused as children cope with the double-bind and achieve separation-individuation. The double-bind is defined as a no-win situation in which the abuse victim received…

The stages of resettlement and need to integrate past cultural experience into their new life are similar for all immigrants. Describes stages of resettlement and basic elements needed to manage the resettlement process. Three specific groups of clients are identified, and case management methods are presented for dealing with issues raised by…

The adolescent at risk for suicidal preoccupation and behavior has become an increasing concern for schools and communities. This paper presents some of the causes of teen suicide, things adults should know about adolescent suicide prevention, and what can be done to help such youth. The transition to adolescence is a complex time when many values…