An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including an integrative approach to Adlerian family therapy, the value of applying an Adlerian model to the special needs of adopting families, and the use of art therapy when working with families.

The purpose of this study was to understand how recent graduates of marriage and family therapy (MFT) master's programs experienced mentoring relationships. Fifteen recent graduates from six different MFT master's-level programs were interviewed about their experiences with mentoring relationships. Graduates shared their experiences regarding forming mentoring relationships, how these relationships affected elements of the program experience, the frequency and duration of contact, and mentors' influence after graduation. All 15 participants reported having at least one mentoring relationship and graduates described the variety of roles that their mentors took within the relationships. Characteristics of mentors are discussed in terms of positive and negative traits, and participants discussed how their mentors influenced and alleviated program stress. Graduates reported that after graduation, concerns included licensing, job placement, and the national exam, though most reported receiving little assistance in this area. Graduates offered recommendations about mentoring for current mentors, students, and MFT programs. Qualitative analyses of the interviews are discussed in terms of common themes introduced by the graduates and implications for future practice and research are discussed.

Bariatric surgery, also known as weight loss surgery (WLS) is an intervention for individuals who are suffering from obesity and weight-related health complications which often accompany being 100 pounds or more overweight (Smith et al., 2011). Even though bariatric surgery has been shown to be a life-saving and life-enhancing operation, efforts to seek out surgery options, qualify and prepare for the procedure, recover from surgery, and then adapt new routines to support surgery are challenging not only for the patient, but also for the people with whom the patient spends the most time—their romantic partners (Applegate & Friedman, 2008; Bylund, Benzein, & Carina, 2013; Moore & Cooper, 2016; Sarwer, Dilks, & West-Smith, 2011). This dissertation was a means to explore relational, food, and WLS success experiences that take place within couples when at least one person has had bariatric surgery. Comparisons between life before, during, and after WLS were discussed with focused attention given to relationship dynamics and daily food routines (Bocchieri, Meana, & Fisher, 2002). The couple’s definition of WLS success and the means by which they have been successful were launching points for more in-depth conversation. Data was generated through 2 interviews per couple (n = 11) with patients who met selection criteria for the study—committed long-term relationship and of the same residence for at least the past 5 years with at least 1 person having been successful with WLS. Success was defined by the WLS patient, however they had to be at least 2 years post-WLS, the critical time period where postoperative weight regain has been shown to occur, in order to participate (Magro et al., 2008; Ogden, Avenell, & Ellis, 2011; Pories et al., 2016). A thematic analysis with multiple rounds of coding was conducted after data saturation was met and couples indicated their agreeableness with results through a short, follow-up survey which also functioned as a form of member-checking. Overall, couples’ relationship dynamics were characterized as secure and WLS gave them another way to give support, engage in teamwork, and ultimately become closer. Patients and spouses explained that they loved each other unconditionally, no matter what the patient weighed, and this had been the reality for their entire relationship. Thus, security was the theme for relationship dynamics with support, teamwork, and closer as subthemes. Spouses expressed their desire to help the WLS patient when it came to being open to change and then making necessary modifications in habits and lifestyle. The commitment to change happened before WLS and a mind-shift happened after WLS that enabled both people to adjust their thinking, consistently evaluate their routines, and continue to change their behaviors. As a result, commit and mind-shift were the themes and subsequent changes (diet, exercise, and mindsets) were the subthemes. A secure relationship and commitment to making “better choices” assisted the patient in experiencing WLS success and this meant that their spouse experienced success, too; “it’s our success together.” The theme for WLS success was follow-through and subthemes were results, comfort, happy, and freedom. Hope was also a by-product of success and it was the grand-theme of this study.

This study seeks to understand the perceptions of African American parents on preventive family therapy and their help-seeking behaviors. Specifically, this study aims to identify the factors that influence African American families in engaging in preventive family therapy and the barriers to accessing treatment. The data was collected through two group interviews that consisted of a total of 11 African American parents residing in Riverside County and San Bernardino County. The findings indicate that: (a) African American parents sought therapy primarily for crisis; (b) Alternatives to therapy were viewed as being just as effective; (c) Barriers to treatment include institutional fear, lack of diversity, and stigmatization; and (d) African Americans held positive views of therapy and individuals who received treatment. These findings highlight the perceptions of an underserved community that is disproportionately represented in child welfare and provides practitioners with strategies to develop effective interventions. Recommendations for future social work practice, policy, and research include continued community outreach and mental health awareness campaigns, partnership with faith-based organizations in developing youth mentoring programs, and the need for research centered on current and former African American child welfare clients.

This project began with the notion that an in-depth examination of perceived changes in the parent-child relationship as reported by the noncustodial father would be both beneficial to mental health professionals as well as to paraprofessional groups and organizations working with divorced fathers. The authors were aware of much related research pertaining to the children of divorced parents and also the plight of divorced mothers, but felt there to be a lack of data concerning the noncustodial father and thus identified this area as an important mental health concern.

With approximately 65 stillbirths occurring each day in the United States, a significant number of parents are left to navigate a difficult grieving process. An event like stillbirth presents many individual and relational challenges. For this study, researchers focused on the hospital experience for couples following notification of stillbirth. Interviews were held with 8 couples that had experienced stillbirth within the past 10 years. Researchers wanted to know what similarities and differences existed in how mothers and fathers described the clinical encounter. The data for this study were collected through interviews. Couples were encouraged to share as much or as little as they’d like about the hospital experience. Couples were also asked to describe how they experienced the clinical encounter as individuals and as a couple. Participants in this study were also given the opportunity to provide feedback on what doctors and other hospital staff could do to assist individuals and couples during this difficult time. Participants discussed how hospital staff helped to shape the experience. This was done both in their interactions with staff and the accommodations that were made. Some parents described hospital staff as “gems” or their “angels” while others reported the pain of hospital staff invalidating their experience. While similarities existed in how parents experienced the clinical encounter, each participant’s experience was unique. Studies should continue to be conducted in an effort to further develop evidence-based practices in hospitals meant to help parents navigate this difficult experience.

This study investigated the application of six techniques from systemic family therapy. A review of the history of family therapy identified the major contributions from general psychiatry, communications theory and cybernetics which had combined to form the therapies known collectively as systemic family therapy. The theory was outlined and examined and the major assumptions which are the basis for specific techniques of therapy within this model were identified. Six of these techniques were examined and demonstrated in therapy. The outcome of each technique was assessed. A family was seen from initial contact to termination, using a two member team approach (Viaro and Leonardi, 1983) in which-one therapist observed the other through a one way video arrangement. The presenting problem was a suicide attempt by an adolescent, culminating in admission to hospital. Therapy using the model was concluded in four sessions. Follow-up at six months disclosed no further admissions to hospital and a report from the family that they were satisfied with the outcome of therapy. Distinctions between first and second order cybernetic therapy were made and the therapists were found to adhere to a first order model. Successful and unsuccessful use of the techniques is identified and discussed. Using as a measure the absence of further suicide attempts and the family's self reported reduction in the number of arguments between the parents and the identified patient, it was concluded that the use of the nominated techniques from systemic family therapy had enabled successful intervention.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity International University, 2002. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 236-242).

Thesis (D. Min.).--Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 204-216).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Trinity International University, 2002. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 236-242).