Reviews dimensions of quality and ways of assessing these in counseling settings, with particular emphasis on the development of ongoing programs of quality improvement. Programs are described as mechanisms for science-practice integration within counseling settings, providing decision-support tools for triage, treatment planning, and the…

Describes a process of feedback in which a supervisor challenges a trainee's point of view regarding some aspect of the trainee by pointing out strengths which that individual may not be aware of. It is suggested that the process should help counselor trainees identify and use their strengths more fully. (RJM)

Identifies similarities between multicultural counseling competencies and the basic assumptions and methodology of qualitative research. Examines how various characteristics shared by these two approaches (i.e., using appropriate strategies and skills) are addressed under aspects of qualitative research, such as selection of the research question…

Examines the variability in anxiety and conceptual complexity levels during a beginning group practicum course. Using a repeated measures research design, found that state anxiety rose and fell during anxiety events and that the most crucial performance aspect of a group practicum (facilitation) is also the most anxiety provoking. (RJM)

A response is given to the reactants of the authors' monograph "Racism, Mental Health, and Mental Health Practice" (1999). The construct of categorization and the dialectical nature of racism are discussed. Addresses the question of whether there is such a thing as a positive White identity. (GCP)

Examines item-response theory (IRT), which seeks to model the way in which latent psychological constructs manifest themselves in terms of observable item responses. Provides an overview of the most popular IRT models and contrasts them with the techniques used in classical test theory. Results highlight several IRT advantages. (Author/GCP)

Provides a framework for addressing ethical violations by members of the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors. Emphasizes the coordination of complaints, complaint limitations, procedures for initiating an investigation, procedures for conducting an investigation, sanctions, the appeals process, and procedures for issues not…

Drawing on earlier research, presents the stages of counselors' cognitive flow (what counselors are thinking). Describes associated techniques that can be used by supervisors of any theoretical orientation to teach supervisees working with couples to be aware of and modify their thought processes in sessions. (RJM)

This article introduces a special issue dedicated to the mental and psychological health issues relevant to Mexican Americans or Chicanas/os. It identifies areas of research that reflect unifying themes, such as service delivery issues, influence of stereotypes, and the role of ethnic identity in psychological health. The goal is to raise…

Presents three specific curriculum recommendations that have been implemented at one counseling psychology program to increase the didactic and experiential scientific core. Recommendations include requiring an ongoing research practicum, a qualitative methodology course, and an advanced integrative research design course specific to the…

Presents a response to the reactants of the authors' article (1996). Contrary to Thomas and Weinrach's response (1998), the authors maintain that counseling psychology programs that include in their admissions criteria skills, experiences, and interests needed to conduct research and provide direct services to ethnic minorities will not have to…

Transcription of an interview with Emmy van Deurzen-Smith, a noted and influential female counselor. Discusses van Deurzen-Smith's emigration from France, her start in counseling in Great Britain, and some of her career challenges. She is a Dutch counselor trained in France who emigrated to Great Britain in 1985. Today, she is the director of…

A model for incorporating feature films into a course for training group facilitators is presented. Using cognitive-learning theories, the authors describe how films may be used as an advanced organizer, as the basis for student learning assessment, or as examples of specific theory in action. Specific examples are provided. (Author/EMK)

Discusses the review and revision of the ethics code of the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors as a training tool for students in the mental health professions. Describes the revision proposal process undertaken by students in the Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education program at the University of Colorado at…

From readers' ratings of satisfaction, problem resolution, and perceived emotional change during treatment, Consumer Reports magazine (CR, 1995) concluded both that psychotherapy is effective and that longer, more intensive therapy is more effective. The authors compared prospectively gathered 45-Item Outcome Questionnaire scores (OQ-45; M. J.…