R. Rocco Cottone

Culturally Based Couple Therapy and Intercultural Relationships: A Review of the Literature

This article provides a review of the literature on intercultural couples counseling since the publication of Falicovs “Cross-Cultural Marriages” and a critique of a racially based definition ofintercultural. It examines conceptualization of intercultural couples, relevant issues arising in counseling, and therapeutic strategies. Little empirical research has been done with intercultural couples to assist with conceptualization problems and useful interventions.

Family structural issues and chemical dependency: A review of the literature from 1985 to 1991

Abstract This review of the literature summarizes publications from 1985 to 1991 that viewed the chemically dependent family from a structural perspective, focusing on boundaries, roles, rules, and communication patterns. The review will provide an overview of structural issues with implications for therapy and suggestions for further research. Seven journals were reviewed and are as follows: Family Process, Journal of Marriage and the Family, Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, American Journal of Family Therapy, Journal of Studies on Alcohol, Journal of Chemical Dependency Treatment and the Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly. Additionally, publications or papers identified by a computer search of Psychological Abstracts were included, identified using the key words “family relations” and “alcoholism.” The intent of this review is to discuss family dynamics from a structural and systemic perspective only. Therefore, psychodynamic literature on family relations is not included.

Ethical issues in the treatment of communication apprehension and avoidance

The problem and effects of communication apprehension and avoidance (CAA) are well‐known to communication professionals. Several treatments that appear to reduce the problem of CAA have been developed. However, ethical concerns inherent in delivering psychological treatment without being a licensed practitioner have not been considered. A review of the literature shows that no code of ethics applies to CAA professionals and that there are legal implications to “practicing psychology without a license.” Ethical and legal problems are explored and three options for solving those problems are discussed: “cease and desist” all treatment programs, create hybrid communication/counseling programs, or create a code of ethics for CAA treatment procedures.

The third epistemology: Extending maturana's structure determinism

Abstract This article is a critical analysis of Maturanas recent works as applied to the social and behavioral sciences. It proposes that there is a major contradiction in Maturanas “structure determinism” which prevents a consistent epistemological and ontological perspective. The concept of change is viewed as crucial to understanding Maturanas work and to extending his ideas to form a consistent philosophical viewpoint, which is defined as the third epistemology for the social and behavioral sciences. Accordingly, the idea of structure is abdicated. It is proposed that the new perspective on Maturanas work has practical application to the social and behavioral sciences, in general, and family therapy, in particular.

Detrimental therapist-client relationships--beyond thinking of "dual" or "multiple" roles: reflections on the 2001 AAMFT Code of Ethics.

This article presents reflections on and a critique of the recent revision of the AAMFT Code of Ethics on the multiple relationship ethical standard. A brief historical overview of terminology and the debate surrounding “dual” and “multiple” relationship ethical rules in marriage and family therapy is provided. The term “exploitation” is also delimited. Ethical principles and a set of standards addressing “detrimental” versus “potentially beneficial” interactions are introduced, deriving from works in other mental health professions. The article recommends: (a) the terms “dual” and “multiple” relationships should be abandoned; (b) the ethical principles underlying the AAMFT Code of Ethics need to be examined; and (c) the debate on the topic of detrimental therapist-client interactions in marriage and family therapy needs to be revisited, especially in light of a “positive ethics.”

Epistemological and ontological issues in counseling: Implications of social systems theory

Abstract Philosophical issues related to theoretical and methodological developments in counseling are addressed, especially related to epistemology (theory of knowledge) and ontology (theory of reality). Social systems theory is described as an epistemologically and ontologically significant challenger to psychological theory, which has traditionally predominated as a foundation for counseling approaches. Recent developments from cognitive biology are used to demonstrate how systems theory may be metatheoretical to the psychological point of view, accounting for all that psychological theory can account for, and more.

Measurement, Classification, and Prediction of Paradigm Adherence of Marriage and Family Therapists

This study assessed the theoretical perspectives of marriage and family practitioners using the Paradigm Adherence Scale (PAS), which measures practitioner adherence to the psychological, systems, and social constructionist paradigms associated with marriage and family therapy. Results from a survey of clinical members of AAMFT ( N = 204) indicated that a majority of therapists were primarily adhering to the systems paradigm (43.6%) or practicing from a combination of paradigms (42.2%), while the social constructionism approach was used by a smaller but significant percentage of therapists (13.7%). Factors predicting membership in paradigm adherence groups included the current or most recent supervisors preferred paradigm (most predictive), therapist gender, and years of clinical experience. While only 16.5% of the variance in paradigm adherence was accounted for by the set of predictor variables, this was viewed as having some practical significance in the difficult task of explaining choice and utilization of theoretical framework.

Roles and Relationships With Clients in Rehabilitation Counseling: Beyond the Concept of Dual Relationships

This article describes the recent revision of the Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors , specifically addressing the Roles and Relationships With Clients ethical standard. A brief historical overview is provided of the terminology and the debate surrounding the outdated dual-relationship ethical rule in rehabilitation counseling. The term exploitation is also delimited. The revised ethical standards are addressed, with attention given to the standard allowing for “potentially beneficial” interactions. Implications for rehabilitation counseling practice are outlined.This article describes the recent revision of the Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors , specifically addressing the Roles and Relationships With Clients ethical standard. A brief historical overview is provided of the terminology and the debate surrounding the outdated dual-relationship ethical rule in rehabilitation counseling. The term exploitation is also delimited. The revised ethical standards are addressed, with attention given to the standard allowing for “potentially beneficial” interactions. Implications for rehabilitation counseling practice are outlined.

Uncovering Secret Extramarital Affairs in Marriage Counseling

The extramarital sexual underground is defined by its prevalence and by its secret nature, even to the degree that marriage counselors may not be informed that an extramarital affair has occurred or is occurring. Reasons for affairs and for secrecy are provided, and the identifying characteristics of extramarital affairs are described. The authors present ethical methods that can be used by marriage counselors to promote revelation ofsecret andpotentially detrimental extramarital affairs. A strict ethical and legal position is taken regarding counselor responsibilities.

Ethics and Decision Making in Counseling and Psychotherapy

This unparalleled text guides helping professionals in the use of ethical decision-making processes as the foundation for ethical approaches to counseling and psychotherapy. The book focuses on ethical and legal challenges and standards across multiple professions emphasizing counseling. It not only identifies relevant ethical issues in clinical mental health, rehabilitation, group, school, addictions, and career counseling; it also addresses couple and family therapy, clinical supervision, and forensics. The text illuminates the particular application of ethical standards within each specialty.