This article presents an overview of the development and utilization of a cultural immersion experience assignment in courses that focus on expanding the knowledge and skill set of counselors and other counseling professionals for working with culturally diverse client populations. The utility of this method and specific suggestions for its use in three instructional formats: traditional on-campus courses, study-abroad program courses, and 100% Internet-based courses are examined.

Characteristics of effective providers of marital and family therapy (MFT) in rural mental health settings were investigated. The survey sample included 74 members of the National Association for Rural Mental Health who, through a modified Delphi process, created a composite picture of effective MFT providers. The findings yielded six major rank-ordered characteristics of effective MFT providers in rural mental health settings, with effective skills in MFT ranked first. Rural community understanding, appreciation and participation ranked second. Specific competencies contributing to each major characteristic were also identified and are discussed. Recommendations for use of this information are provided.

Despite the systemic interaction, family-based journals, as well as intake and assessment forms most frequently used by couple and family therapists (CFTs), have given a limited amount of attention to the issue of work and family conflict. Moreover, a review of the literature indicated that many CFTs perceive themselves as inadequately prepared to assist couples and families with work and family conflict. Addressing this apparent limitation, the present study identified various work stressors that contributed to family conflict (WFC), and the family stressors that contributed to work conflict (FWC). Results revealed significant predictors of WFC and FWC. Implications for CFTs and recommendations for changes in academic training and supervision are provided.KEY WORDS: Work and family conflict; predictive factors; couple and family therapy.

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This article presents a formula for calculating dyadic complexity in groups, families, and other organizations and relational systems. Illustrations of increased dyadic complexity as a function of the increase in organization size are presented as well as a discussion of the dyadic concept as the foundational unit of communication within systems. The article concludes with a discussion of the utility of the dyadic complexity formula as a research tool.

This article examines marriage counseling and couple therapy with celebrity and high-profile clients. Issues and considerations commonly encountered when working with this population are presented along with ethical considerations and strategies for helping couples who are in the “public eye” bring about desired changes within an often unique and challenging relational and social context.

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