As a research technique that has grown rapidly in applications in many scientific disciplines, cluster analysis has potential for wider use in counseling psychology research. We begin with a simple example illustrating the clustering approach. Topics covered include the variety of approaches in clustering, the times when cluster analysis may be a choice for analysis, the steps in cluster analysis, the data features, such as level, shape, and scatter, that affect cluster results, alternate clustering methods and evidence indicating which are most effective, and examples of clustering applications in counseling research. Although we make an attempt to provide a comprehensive overview of major issues, the reader is encouraged to consult several good recent publications on the topic that are especially relevant for psychologists.

This article describes a new avenue and a new set of problems in personless interpersonal communication. Computers can offer many options in such communication. These powers of the computer may lead an individual to invest more energy into the system than into personal relationships. The wide variety of current issues and speculations on future uses of computers in counseling and psychotherapy are examined. One of these new options is the capability of the interactive PLATO system. The utilization of one ofPLATO's capabilities by a suicidal individual is presented in a case history. When confronted with a cry for help over the computer network, the limitations of the system for offering long-distance crisis intervention are realized. Finally, ethical issues regarding such contacts are sketched to sensitize psychologists to the possibility of future crisis situations when dealing with a computer network.Caller: ever 1 since my brother died, i've just felt so bad, like it was my fault, you know? i just start crying sometimes and can't quit. Me: You really feel guilty about his death, and it almost seems like the hurt takes control. Caller: yea, but i don't know . .. i know i didn't make him die but still if i hadn't asked him to do me that favor... Me: You blame yourself for his death and feel like you don't deserve to live either. Caller: right... i'm no good for anyone anymore... all i do is get depressed and cause problems for everyone around me. Me: Dying seems like the easy way out to you. Computer as Therapist?Computers are already in use in career guidance, in psychiatric intake interviewing 1 Lowercase, including t, used by "caller" to denote his low self-esteem.

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