Hispanic children are the fastest growing segment of the population. Numerous factors place them at-risk for school success. This study examined the effects of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) compared to a curriculum-based small group intervention with 29 Hispanic children referred for school counseling due to behavior problems. Children were assigned to treatment groups by random drawing within grade levels. Treatment was provided by Hispanic bilingual counselors. Statistical analysis revealed that, according to parent report, children receiving CCPT showed statistically significant decreases in externalizing behavior problems, compared to the curriculum-based treatment group. Effect size calculations revealed that CCPT demonstrated a large treatment effect on externalizing behavior problems and a moderate treatment effect on internalizing behavior problems. Cultural considerations and recommendations for practice and future research are discussed.

Hispanics are the largest and fastest growing minority group in the United States, and numerous and varied interested constituencies stress that preventive intervention with Hispanic families is imperative. Filial therapy as an intervention and prevention counseling approach shows promise as an effective way to help these families. This article explores some of the constructs of filial therapy, specifically regarding ways they interface with important social and cultural values of Hispanic families.

The purpose of our study was to understand, document, and report conservative Christian parents' perceptions of the effectiveness of an intensive 5-week filial therapy program, ChildϪParent Relationship Therapy (CPRT). A transcendental phenomenological approach (C. Moustakas, 1994, Phenomenological Research Methods, Thousand Oaks, CA. Sage) was used to gather, analyze, and report the findings from this study. A 14-question, semistructured interview was used with 10 parent participants to ascertain the parents' perceptions of the CPRT model. Overall, the parents thought the CPRT model was effective and had a positive change on the parent-child relationship and behavior problems the child was experiencing. Several techniques and interventions were described by the parents as the most helpful and beneficial. The results of our study suggest that CPRT may be effective for conservative Christian parents when certain modifications are made. The themes that emerged may be used to provide alternative methods to assist clients who hold conservative Christian beliefs.

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In this article, we discuss and provide an example of journaling in the context of counseling, focusing on its application with adolescents. A script to be read by the therapist is included with prompts for self-reflection and journaling by the client. The excerpts presented are the actual journal reflections taken from a teenager's journal. The proposed technique has been used with positive results with adolescents in a clinical setting. Additionally, we provide suggestions for expanding the concept of journaling to expressive artwork.