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Fibromyalgia is a disorder that largely impacts females of all ages, yet there is limited treatment and research available, particularly related to family therapy. Fibromyalgia impacts family functioning, communication, and connectedness. Feminist family therapy offers a lens with which to address the myriad of concerns that a family faces, in a manner that empowers and validates the lived experiences of the client with fibromyalgia and their family. Mental health counselors can incorporate developmental context alongside feminist family therapeutic approach to assist women and their families to develop coping strategies, advocacy skills, and life meaning given the potential limitations that coincide with fibromyalgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-one articles from peer-reviewed journals published over 25 years (1983-2008) were selected for inclusion in a review of the professional literature on adolescent mothers' career development. Findings identified that the selected literature included a variety of research methods and theoretical approaches, identified areas of need for this population, and discussed impediments to the career development of adolescent mothers. The most frequent recommendations, aside from the need for further research, were to develop and implement comprehensive programs for adolescent mothers that are strength based and responsive to their needs, and to foster career development skills/knowledge and resiliency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory processing disorder is a complex neurological disorder affecting approximately 5-17% of the population, yet professional counselors often misunderstand and misdiagnose this disorder. A child's academic, emotional and social functioning can be substantially impacted by sensory processing disorder; early diagnosis and treatment is crucial. In this article, the authors describe the disorder, discuss its impact on children and their families, and provide recommendations and resources for both mental health counselors and school counselors to utilize when serving this unique population with special needs. A case study is included, in addition to suggestions for treatment collaboration and advocacy on behalf of clients with sensory processing disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family counseling interventions treating families with transracial internationally emerging adults can offer opportunities to repair unmet adoption-related developmental tasks residual from earlier stages of development. Developmental issues unique to adoptees during this frequently overlooked stage are explored. Assessments and family counseling treatment interventions are suggested. Case conceptualizations are provided to highlight the additional challenges of racial identity development, independence, intimate relationships, and search and reunion, as they relate to the adoptive family life span issues. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Professional counselors who provided services to those affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita completed the K6+ (screen for severe mental illness), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and the Professional Quality of Life Scale. Results indicated that participants who survived the hurricanes had higher levels of posttraumatic growth than participants who served as volunteers. Both volunteer and survivor-volunteer participants were susceptible to compassion fatigue. To further resiliency, self-care strategies were found to minimize burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lasting recovery for clients can be challenging to establish in addictions counseling. Through the combination of 2 approaches, motivational interviewing and developmental counseling and therapy, client treatment can be refined to promote transformative change and long-lasting recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Association of Addictions and Offender Counselors (IAAOC) is challenged to support its members beyond the national level. The long-standing model of state chapters fulfilling members' needs has been unsuccessful. An updated model for service delivery is suggested to assist IAAOC members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through a joint research committee sponsored by the Association for Play Therapy (APT) and the American Counseling Association (ACA), The National Play Therapy in Counseling Practices Project conducted the first phase of investigation. Findings offered a snapshot of mental health providers of play therapy, regarding the nature of who they are and what they do. In terms of training, play modalities, theoretical orientation, and employment setting, comparisons were made based on membership of participants in ACA or APT. Further research was suggested to examine the effectiveness of play therapy with specific therapeutic issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to combat escalating aggression and violence in schools, it is important to understand the relationship between intrafamilial communication and aggressive behaviors. In this study, the authors examined the link between preadolescents' perceptions of parent-child communication and their levels of school-based aggressive behavior. The results indicate that perceived effective communication was highest for mother-girl dyads,followed in order by mother-boy, father-boy, and father-girl dyads. Second, no difference between preadolescents' levels of aggressive behaviors in school on the basis of gender of child was found. Finally, the results indicated that preadolescents' perceptions of effective parent-child communication were negatively correlated with school-based aggression. Implications for prevention and intervention strategies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]