Dear Readers,
One of the reasons everyone loves spring is because we look forward to being greeted by the sights, smells and sounds of new life. We here at Counselor Magazine are pleased to welcome some new faces and are happy to share their expertise and insights with you, our readers.
We begin this issue with the complex and disturbing topic of violent behavior in adolescents. In his article, “Why Are Adolescents Violent?” author James Garbarino, PhD attempts to answer this daunting question by examining the biological and psychological systems, and the effects on children in various social, cultural and economic systems. The author also points to the importance of broad-based prevention that focuses on dealing humanely with troubled children who are prone to aggression, in an effort to halt the progression toward violent behavior.
Another group of children who are at risk of emotional, behavioral and social problems are those who grow up in homes where substance abuse is commonplace. Unfortunately, many of the parents who inflict this type of toxic environment on their children, are victims themselves, many of them having suffered similar circumstances during their own childhood.
According to our next authors, who were brought to us by our colleagues at Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, research indicates that multi-systemic and intensive family-based interventions can help high-risk families. In their article, “Parents Under Pressure — Helping High Risk Families,” authors Sharon Dawe, PhD and Paul Harnett, PhD, discuss the Parents Under Pressure program, an intervention designed specifically for multi-problem families, where substance abuse occurs and child protection issues are a concern. Using a case study to illustrate, the authors review evidence of the program’s effectiveness and explain how it can be an important approach, within the context of a family assessment.
Much attention has been focused on the intervention field over the past several years. According to author and interventionist Bette Ann Weinstein, PhD, with this growth comes a responsibility to ensure that interventions are being conducted ethically and competently. In her article, “Family Intervention: Then and Now,” Dr. Weinstein describes some of the most popular intervention models, and discusses future challenges that are facing the intervention field, as a whole.
Turning our focus to the drug testing industry article, “Testing for Recent Alcohol Use,” authors Robert L. Dupont, MD, Gregory E. Skipper, MD and William L. White, MA describe the latest testing procedures and suggest ways they can be successfully integrated into a comprehensive alcohol and drug testing program.
Last but not least, we bring you David J. Powell, PhD, who in his article, “The Counselor and Suffering,” discusses the importance of the counselor as an attentive listener. The author explains the importance of counselor’s being attuned to their own values and experiences, so that they may apply this in helping their clients.
Also in this issue, Counselor Magazine’s Associate Editor, Jenna Bensoussan, has provided you with a recap of what went on at the 29th Annual Institute on Behavioral Health and Addictive Disorders. Stay tuned for more information on conferences sponsored by U.S. Journal Training, Inc. and the Institute for Integral Development in future issues of Counselor — and don’t forget to keep checking our website for more upcoming events.
Turning to a very serious topic, Paul J. Earley, MD, FASAM, points to an urgent situation facing the addiction community — defining recovery, now. The addiction community needs to reach a clear consensus on the concept they want to instill in their clients. We invite you to weigh in on this issue, as it is one that is critical to each and every person in the addiction treatment field. Please send your comments and thoughts to
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.
As always, I encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns regarding the content of Counselor. You can reach me by phone at (800) 851-9100, ext. 258, email at
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, or by mail. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Stephanie L. Muller
Editor
Counselor,
The Magazine for Addiction Professionals
A Health Communications, Inc. Publication
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