Multidimensional Family Therapy in Theory and in Practice

This article reviews the family therapy case of an adolescent substance abuser through the lens of multidimensional family therapy (MDFT). Initially, the adolescent presented with suicidal ideation, depression, academic difficulties, and behavior problems. The family experienced chronically high levels of conflict, which related to the mother's depression, the father's harsh discipline, and the adolescent's sister's frequent suicidal threats and outbursts. Family therapeutic interventions helped to decrease family conflict and improve the adolescent's grades and behavior. In particular, conjoint work with the parents had a stabilizing effect on the family system. As predicted by MDFT, this stabilizing effect was shown to place the adolescent on a healthier developmental trajectory. Limitations of the case and implications for future research are also presented.     

Performing sinners: The Asobi and the Buddhist discourse of Tsumi

This essay addresses how Oprah's book choices are inevitably affective but not necessarily feminist. By reading Oprah's book choices as highly individualistic, I analyze how her choices might be more aggressive and more complex, thereby offering a sense of community rather than the power of individuality to her huge audiences. My argument is based on a belief in Oprah's communicative power, and especially if her book choices were invested with more complications than individual resolutions.     

Reconstructing the “Monsters” and the “Failures”

SUMMARY

“Monsters” and “Failures” are becoming the words of choice by many teachers, parents, administrators, and other adults when describing children and their behaviors. Ascribing the label can be constricting to the child and does very little to promote solutions to situations. Adults working with children can develop ways to look past the behavior and see the child and the child's needs, and acquire expectations of children that are in line with their development. This article explores the notion that family therapists, specializing in systems theory and parent education, are professionals, who are suited to help parents and school personnel interact with children in constructive and meaningful ways that promote development and minimize negative labeling. Family therapists can help the parent/teacher/administrator view the interactions among the components of the child's support system as dynamically interacting with one another and the child, and thus, strengthen the school-parent-community triad. Therapists, working col-laboratively with early childhood developmental education professionals, can assist adults in aligning their assessment and expectations of children with developmental understandings, thereby modifying the behaviors on the part of the adults, and ultimately eliciting more appropriate responses on the part of the children. A family systems approach to the rearing and teaching of children allows adults to reinforce the constructive behaviors of the child in a supportive and positive manner, leading to the social and cognitive growth of the child. The case material offered in this article presents ways in which family therapists can collaborate with education professionals and families in fostering the strength of the family-school-community relationship, and ensuring situations that are more child-friendly and developmentally appropriate.     

调神益肾针法对更年期大鼠下丘脑阿片促黑素皮质素原mRNA表达的影响

目的：研究调神益肾针法对更年期雌性大鼠下丘脑阿片促黑素皮质素原mRNA表达的影响。方法：采用逆转录－聚合酶链反应技术。结果：更年期大鼠下丘脑阿片促黑素皮质素原mRNA表达明显降低；经针刺干预后，调神益肾组该基因的表达明显上调，补肾健脾组则无明显变化。结论：增强下丘脑阿片促黑素皮质素原mRNA的表达可能是调神益肾针法治疗更年期综合征的机制之一。     

火针为主综合治疗非哺乳期乳腺炎30例

目的 观察以火针为主的综合疗法对非哺乳期乳腺炎的临床疗效。方法 选取非哺乳期乳腺炎脓肿期或溃后期患者60例,将其随机分为治疗组30例和对照组30例。其中治疗组采用火针排脓祛腐法治疗,对照组采用切开排脓法治疗,两组均口服浆乳2号方,疗程2个月。比较两组患者的治疗效果。结果 两组患者临床疗效比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;与对照组比较,治疗组患者伤口愈合时间明显降低（P＜0.05）,瘢痕直径与脓肿长轴直径比值显著缩小（P＜0.05）,治疗组患者治疗后乳房外观评分和满意度评分均显著增加（P<0.05）;与治疗前比较,两组患者治疗后肿块面积和溃口面积显著缩小（P<0.05）,但治疗组溃口面积缩小程度优于对照组（P<0.05）。结论 火针为主综合治疗非哺乳期乳腺炎不仅有良好的临床疗效,而且治疗周期短,能维持乳房外形的美观,患者满意度较高,是临床有效可行的方法。     

Evaluation of the assessment and treatment of a child sex offender: A case study

Abstract

There is indisputable necessity for engaging child sex offenders in effective therapy to reduce recidivist rates. However, it is becoming increasingly recognised that, to do this, more contemporary psychological methods of treatment are being utilised instead of, or as well as, imprisonment.

To establish what constitutes effective therapy requires the constant search for new and successful treatments. To achieve this, it is advantageous to follow preexisting successful methods of treatment but to acknowledge that therapy must be adapted according to an individual's unique presenting difficulties and therapeutic needs.

This paper details assessment techniques, evaluation of psychological dysfunctions, the therapy plan and treatment outcome of a convicted child sex offender. Specifically, Mr X's background history, psychological dysfunctions and progress, using a functional analysis approach, are examined in detail with critical review of the therapeutic intervention.     

Incorporating trauma-informed care into evidence-based sex offender treatment

Abstract

As we move forward in the field of sex offender treatment, clinicians should consider incorporating principles of trauma-informed care (TIC) into evidence-based sex offender treatment models. Early adverse experiences are prevalent in the general population and more so in criminal and sex offender populations. Early trauma paves the way for maladaptive coping and interpersonal deficits, which can lead to abusive behaviour. Content-oriented sex offender treatment models emphasising cognitive-behavioural skills should integrate process-oriented components that address the ways in which early trauma shapes adult cognitions and behaviour. Relational approaches to therapy can enhance clients' interpersonal skills and improve general well-being. This type of personal growth would be expected to mitigate future offending as the client adopts and successfully practices healthier, non-destructive strategies for meeting emotional needs.     

Alcohol and Other Drug Problems in Older Adults

SUMMARY

While there is considerable awareness and knowledge on the part of the health and human service community on the problems of the misuse and abuse of alcohol and other drugs in the general population, this unfortunately often does not extend to older adults, those who are 60+. Problems with alcohol and other drugs in older persons is in itself not a sudden crisis or new problem. However, as with any health problem affecting a specific demographic group, when the problem is not recognized and appropriately dealt with the repercussions pose greater risks for the individuals with the problem as well as for the larger community. This is particularly true in regard to older adults where natural physical changes and increased age related health risks can only be exacerbated by the misuse and abuse of substances.     

英美客体关系心理治疗及对我国罪犯心理矫治的启示

客体关系心理治疗（Object Relations Therapy）是一种强调“治疗师一来访者”关系的深度心理治疗方法。拟通过诠释客体和客体关系内涵,分析客体关系心理治疗的理论依据以及实施的四个阶段,并对我国罪犯心理矫治的启示进行初步探讨。在罪犯心理矫治中引进客体关系心理治疗,是罪犯心理咨询和治疗手段的创新,也是提升罪犯教育改造质量和践行监管安全“首要标准”的有效途径。     

中西医结合治疗恶性肿瘤60例近期疗效观察

目的：研究中药扶正抗癌减毒方联合化疗方案治疗恶性肿瘤的近期临床疗效、生活质量和毒性及不良反应。方法：１２０例恶性肿瘤患者随机分成观察组（扶正抗癌减毒方＋联合化疗）６０例,对照组（单纯联合化疗）６０例,治疗２个周期以上,按ＷＨＯ标准评价疗效及不良反应,以ＫＰＳ评分标准评价生活质量。结果：观察组总缓解率（ＣＲ＋ＰＲ）为６６．７％,对照组总缓解率为５１．７％,两组无显著差异,但观察组生活质量明显提高,不仅反应明显减轻。结论：中药对联合化疗有减毒、增敏、增效作用,可提高恶性肿瘤患者的生活质量,减少痛苦,延长带瘤生存期。