Treatment programs for serious offenders such as sex offenders typically include an empathy training component as part of a comprehensive intervention package. The reasons for doing so are partly based on research evidence indicating that social disconnection and relationship ruptures related to empathy failures often trigger offending, and also…

School psychology in Singapore gained greater prominence with the development of the National Mental Health Blueprint in 2007 that included a focus on children and adolescents. A partnership between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education was formed to develop a community mental health pilot program called 'Response, Early…

By the late 1970s it was clear that cognitive and behavioral therapies were promising alternatives to antidepressant medications for treatment of depressed outpatients. One such model of therapy, Social Skills Training, was developed by Michel Hersen and his colleagues specifically for treatment of depressed women. Professor Hersen and his…

Many studies have examined ways to improve social functioning of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Some common strategies include: (1) social stories strategy; (2) social scripts strategy; (3) power card strategy; (4) cognitive behavioral modification; and (5) the "I Will" card strategy. The "I Will" card strategy utilizes components…

The development, implementation, and evaluation of anger management programs have proliferated over the past decade. The programs aim to moderate the intensity, frequency, and severity of anger expression, and facilitate alternative nonaggressive responses to conflict and frustration. Cognitive-behavioral theory highlights cognitive processes such…

Motivational Interviewing (MI; W. R. Miller & S. Rollnick, 2002) is presented as a potentially effective counseling strategy for assisting traditionally aged college students in reducing their problematic, heavy alcohol use. MI's congruence with two developmental theories--Self-Determination Theory (R. M. Ryan & E. L. Deci, 2000) and…

School refusal behavior can lead to disruptions in both educational attainment and social development. One of the common causes of school refusal behavior is separation anxiety disorder (SAD). Research suggests that children with SAD and school refusal behavior show an increased rate of psychiatric consultation and a decreased likelihood of…

Presents the theoretical, empirical, and practical foundations of a group stress management program to increase clients' effective coping with routine daily stressors. The program provides coping skills training through three components--relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and social skills training. Discusses implications for social…

The goal of educators is to prepare students to live independent, productive lives. This objective is accomplished by helping students acquire the requisite skills to function independently. Most youths develop an aptitude to make wise behavioral choices by observing the individuals with whom they interact. Unfortunately, students with emotional…

Empirical research suggests a correlation between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions and increased academic achievement of students in middle schools. An argument was presented for utilizing CBT intervention within the delivery system of comprehensive school counseling programs in middle schools; specifically in individual…

The fact that interpersonal conflict and subsequent resolution are primarily social behaviors between groups of people often becomes obscured by cultural norms. Professional counselors routinely encounter conflict in their work with clients. This paper provides an introductory discussion on the psychocultural aspects of conflict to assist…

The cognitive model of restructuring thinking and developing values was applied in two Spanish institutions for young offenders. Its success is altering the focus of reeducation centers and prisons from a custodial to an educative atmosphere conducive to developing social competence. (SK)

Numerous books have been written about bullying, but most of them only deal with external interventions-those that suggest teaching students more appropriate social skills. Here, Gary Plaford deals with these social skills, also known as internal interventions, as well as the external interventions. The information is presented in layman's terms…

Reviews literature concerning men in prisons. Describes specific program at a prison mental health center which prepares men for reentry into society. Closes with reflections on one man's struggle to grow and prepare for the outside. (CM)

The Correctional Service of Canada's Cognitive Skills program is a component of its Living Skills strategy. It is based on the cognitive model that how one thinks strongly influences what one thinks. Empathy training and values education enhance the use of the cognitive skills developed. (SK)