Many researchers and theorists provide the foundation for the material to be discussed, however the real substance and “life” of the book has been extracted from the many courageous clients and supportive colleagues with whom we have been privileged to work. The illustrations presented throughout the book reflect a composite of the various individuals with whom we have worked. All the names and significant identifying information about the actual cases have been modified in order to insure confidentiality.

While our names appear as authors on this work, we would be remiss if we didn't acknowledge all those who have helped us in the process. A special thank you goes to each of the following who so graciously reviewed our project and provided valuable suggestions which have made this final manuscript something of which we, and we hope they, are proud. These include: Phu D. Hoang, Texas A&M International University; Geoffrey G. Yager, University of Cincinnati; Sandra Loew, University of North Alabama; James R. Verhoye, Metropolitan State University; Allan A. Morotti, University of Alaska Fairbanks; George I. Mamboleo, Alabama A&M University; Patricia K. McIntyre, Rosemont College; Susan Temperato, Canisius College; Lorraine J. Guth, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; DeDe Wohlfarth, Spalding University; Cheryl Ramey, Eastern Kentucky University; Margaret Carlock-Russo, Hofstra University; Linda Barley, York College, CUNY; Peggy Brooks, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; Rolanda Bell, University of Phoenix; and Dorothy Durband, Texas Tech University.

While the aforementioned provided guidance in regard to the content found within this text, it was the special gift and talent of Gretchen Treadwell who, as copy editor, turned our thoughts, our content, into the reader-friendly copy you now hold in your hands.

Finally, we would be remiss if we did not say a very special thank you to Kassie Graves, senior acquisitions editor; Maggie Stanley, associate editor; Elizabeth Luizzi, editorial assistant; and Eric Garner, production editor at SAGE Publications who not only kept us focused and on time, but also provided the much needed support throughout the development of this text.