The purpose of this study was to critique in-print, post-1990 copyrighted stepfamily self-help books in order to provide guidance to helping professionals who work with these complex families. Of the 63 books reviewed, trained coders were able to strongly recommend 13 books for being well organized, for relying on clinical or empirical sources of…

ASSIST is a self-help program for spouses whose partners are employed in stressful occupations. Describes ASSIST from a practitioner's viewpoint, discusses emergent issues among spouses, and suggests using ASSIST as a helping resource. (Author)

Points out that there is a discrete population of midcareer, largely first-time mothers who seek some form of psychological help when they first return to work after childbirth. Reports that family-oriented conjoint counseling and self-help groups are effective forms of treatment for this population. (LLL)

Guidelines for casework with the family of the alcoholic indicate the importance of understanding that alcoholism is a treatable disease, of letting the alcoholic suffer the consequences of his drinking, and of demonstrating how self-help groups can be a valuable resource to the alcoholic and his family. (Author)

Describes a model of training and supervision of family therapist trainees. The model is based on use of a therapist's own family group where application is made of family systems theory to their own families. The process helps trainees identify emotional reactions that cause them to lose their objectivity. (JAC)

Applies codependency group model to families of obsessive-compulsive people based on view that these families are normal, feeling people who are trying to cope with unremitting stress. Clinical vignettes illustrate how these families are similar to families of alcoholics in their management of emotions and in their dysfunctional behaviors. (JBJ)

Reviews contemporary financial counseling programs and their goals. A self-control approach involves the entire family and considers the possibility of other family problems. An intervention program aimed at modifying problem behavior may be developed and budgeting skills may be taught. (JAC)

Examines the effects of a self-help program, Parents United, on families in which incest has occurred. Studied male incest offenders (N=56). Results indicated the program was successful in increasing participants' feelings of responsibility, and decreasing recidivism, but less successful in keeping the families together. (Author/JAC)

Describes the establishment and development of a support group for the parents of children infected and/or affected by HIV infection. The group is hospital-based, meeting monthly since April 1992, facilitated by professionals but with a self-help and peer support emphasis. Explains the planning, setting, and running of the group. Identifies…

Three program models, developed for use by agencies and groups wishing to create or expand social services for youth and families experiencing separation, divorce or remarriage, are described in this manual. The three models are a Family Counseling Model, an Education Model, and a Self-Help Model. The manual contains a discussion of the issues to…