This article examines polydisciplinary groups in the human services, identifying four types: multidisciplinary, pluridisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary groups. Various problems in the use of these groups are then discussed, followed by an exploration of possible solutions. (Author/TE)

Among 1,861 households in rural Iowa, the true unemployment rate was 17.3 percent, compared with the officially reported figure of 6.5 percent. Such discrepancies, related to changes in job-seeking behavior among the chronic unemployed, produce underfunding of federal training and job assistance programs in rural areas. Contains 16 references. (SV)

Outlines the development of a service delivery network--California Farm Families in Transition--for distressed farmers in Fresno County. Describes the three-tiered prevention model used, initial needs assessment, and services provided in legal, financial, mental health, social, and job development areas. Contains 15 references. (SV)

Tested hypotheses that clients' perceptions of therapeutic factors depend on the stage of group development and on client individual difference variables, using critical incident reports obtained from 18 participants in three 11-session counseling groups. Results indicated differences in relative importance of therapeutic factors as seen by group…

Discusses theoretical and clinical issues that surround the psychotherapeutic treatment of biracial children. Summarizes Heinz Kohut's theory on the development of the self in the biracial child. A case study is included. (BH)

Reviews survey data and published literature to support the thesis that the emergence of the political right, the revival of fundamental religiosity, and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome have had both subtle and gross negative effects on the attitudes of counselors toward homosexual clients. (Author/NB)

Graduate students (N=28) in counseling read client information that was nonemotive and factual, indicative of well-adjustment, or suggestive of need for psychological help, then rated mental health of clients. Results revealed anchoring errors for all cases regardless of severity; presence of anchoring errors was restricted to those made as result…

A survey of 128 British families of children with autism found progress over the last decade in the shorter time for referral to specialists, younger age at diagnosis, and younger age at receipt of special education services. Difficulties remain in obtaining initial professional advice and support, correct diagnosis, and appropriate help in the…

Notes that, when used to treat patients diagnosed with multiple personality disorder, art therapy aids in translating unspeakable memories into visual format. Discusses "stepping in," drawing process that may promote "cross-alter associations" to imagery drawn by other personalities. Addresses recovery of traumatic material…

Screening data, including results of the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) developed by the NIDA, on arrested youths processed in May 1993 at the Hillsborough County, Florida, Juvenile Assessment Center are analyzed. High rates of potential psychosocial functioning problems were obtained. Relationships were found between…

Examined preferences of 242 American Indian secondary school students for counselor age, sex, educational level, attitudes and values, personality, and ethnicity, across personal and academic problem types, and through assessment of cultural involvement. Found primary preference for talking with American Indian counselor, although this was true…

Notes that incorporation of stress management within counseling process requires a theoretical framework for examining clients' perceptions of their coping capabilities as they experience difficulty with stressful life events. Presents framework based on learned helplessness, called systematic rationalization. Discusses empirical support and…

This summary of 1987 and 1988 seminar meetings on service delivery to people with blindness or visual impairments addresses: (1) service delivery systems (principles, the population served, and providers of services); and (2) the services provided, focusing on the blindness system as a system under siege. (DB)

Compared perceptions of expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness of computer-assisted guidance systems, as measured by adapted version of Counselor Rating Form, for 107 college students in two treatment conditions (DISCOVER and SIGI) and computer imaging control condition. Findings showed that students in both treatment conditions had more…

Experienced counselor describes how older client's work and life experience can be used to advantage in new job search. Notes that older clients already know what they do not want; they must identify their work content skills; they may find that traditional resources offer little help; and they do not want to start at the bottom. (NB)