The Family Journal

This study identified five distinct types of married couples from a sample of 6,267 couples, using the marital inventory ENRICH. Profiles were derived using a three-stage cluster analytic procedure, including an exploratory cluster analysis, a replication of the exploratory results, and a cross-validation. The five-cluster solution was robust. "Vitalized " couples (12%) reported high relationship quality on all dimensions. "Harmonious" couples (11%) had relatively high relationship quality. "Traditional " couples (16%) had scores that were slightly above average with markedly higher scores on parenting and religion scales. "Conflicted " couples (25%) were characterized by moderately low scores on all but the roles scale. The "Devitalized" group (36%) had the lowest scores on every ENRICH dimension.

The aim of systemic, integrative ftrameworks is to empower therapists to draw across mariage andfamily therapy models to select the most appropriate treatment strategies for any family. The therapy model presented here provides an organizing set of dimensions and strategies for the continuous assessment offamily functioning throughout the therapeutic process. 7hese assessment data are used to assist in the coconstruction of developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive treatment plans that guide the selection of interventions from different marimage and family therapy perspectives.

Hope is defined, potential blocks to it are explored, and ways and means of instilling hope are examined. Emphasized are the therapist's understanding, appreciation, and use of (a) the dynamics of change, (b) the learning styles of the individuals in treatment and the ways they access information, (c) the stages of therapy, and (d) a variety of techniques for fostering hope.

A contextual paradigm of counseling and psychotherapy is delineated. Emergent and potential criticisms of a contextual paradigm of counseling and psychotherapy are described and addressed; potential limitations and qualifications of a contextual position are also discussed.

Therapists working with families affected by child sexual abuse may find that they need to rethink the theories and assumptions that normally guide their work. Several recent articles have discussed the theoretical dilemmas that family counselors face when they try to meet the needs of these troubled families.

Literature on the issue of values in the therapeutic process is reviewed.

Recent wvritings in the family counseling literature question traditional notions of adolescence as being a time of "storm and stress" characterized by family conflict where peers replace family members as significant others. Several of these alternative perspectives are offered for family counselors to consider.

What is your reaction to these different philosophies of treatment? The same case conceptualized by two different theories presents some similarities and many differences. Think about it, and let us know your reaction.

This article addresses trainee triangulation issues and methods counselor educators can use to foster trainee detriangulation. Specific educational, experiential, and supervision activities are presented for dealing with triangulation issues of counselors-in-training.

This column provides aforum within which you, the reader, may share with your colleagues some of the creative techniques and tactics that you have invented or adapted and find successful in counseling with couples and families. Please submit manuscripts of 4-6 typed, doublespaced pages (in the format of the technique that follows) to Robert Sherman, 154-23A Riverside Drive, Beechhurst, NY 1135 7-1339.

This column presents issues that affectfamilies undergoing separation, divorce, and remarriage, including single parenting and stepfamilies. If you have specific areas or questions that you would like discussed in this column please write to: James H. Bray, Department of Family Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 5510 Greenbriar, Houston, TX 77005, or call (713) 798-7751.

Salvador Minuchin, MD, has been afoundingparent in the family therapy movement since the 1 950s. In this interview, Minuchin rejfects on his attraction to the field of family therapy, his views on affecting societal issues, as well as his work as a practitioner and trainer.