All too often the experience of users of family therapy is neglected in the theory and practice of family therapy as well as in the literature itself. In Introducing User-Friendly Family Therapy the authors describe in detail how the results of an action research project helped the professionals involved to modify their practice. They draw out the implications of the research for providing a genuinely user-friendly service and set the arguments for a more humanistic approach in the wider context of contemporary social policy. Thought-provoking and practical in emphasis, this book places the user at the centre of the stage and insists that family therapy can only flourish if it becomes genuinely empowering and user-friendly.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Part 1: Introducing and Understanding Marriage and Family Therapy. 1 Counseling Families: An Introduction. 2 The Family As a System. 3 From Individual Counseling to Marriage and Family Therapy: Building Theoretical Bridges. 4 Using Core Counseling Skills in Marriage and Family Therapy. Part 2: Helping Couples and Families: Bridging Indivdual and Systems Theories. 5 Psychodynamic Theories in Family Treatment. 6 Psychodynamic Systems Theories. 7 Cognitive/ Behavioral Theories in Family Treatment. 8 Cognitive/ Behavioral Systems Theories. 9 Humanistic/ Existential Theories in Family Treatment. 10 Humanistic/ Existential Systems Theories. 11 Transpersonal Theories in Family Treatment. 12 Developmental Systems Theory: A Transpersonal Systems Theory. Part 3: Special Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy. 13 Treating Families with Special Needs. 14 Professional Issues, Ethics, and Research. App. A- AAMFT Code of Ethical Principles for Marriage and Family Therapists. App.B- Ethical Code for the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors.
Now in its second edition, this text introduces readers to the rich history and practice of Marriage and Family Therapy, with 32 professionals from across the US presenting their knowledge in their areas of expertise. This blend of approaches and styles gives this text a unique voice and makes it a comprehensive resource for graduate students taking their first course in Marriage and Family Therapy. The book is divided into three sections: Part 1 focuses on the components on which 21st century family therapy is based and summarizes the most recent changes made to not only therapeutic interventions, but to the very concept of “family.” Part 2 presents an overview of the 7 major theoretical models of the field: structural, strategic, Milan, social constructionist, experiential, transgenerational, and cognitive-behavioral family therapy. Each chapter in this section • Focuses on the founder of the theory, its theoretical tenants, and its key techniques • Shows how the model focuses on diversity • Presents the research that supports the approach Part 3 addresses specific treatment areas that are common to marriage and family therapists, such as sex therapy, pre-marital therapy, research, and ethics and legal issues. As an introduction to the field of Marriage and Family Therapy, this volume stands above the rest. Not only will readers gain an understanding of the rich history of the field and its techniques, but they will also see a complete picture of the context in which families are embedded, such as gender, culture, spirituality, and sexual orientation. This knowledge is the key to understanding what differentiates Marriage and Family Therapy from individual psychotherapy. Glossaries, case studies, tables, figures, and appendices appear generously throughout the text to present this information and give students a thorough overview to prepare them for their professional lives.
The fourth edition of the bestselling An Introduction to Family Therapy provides an overview of the core concepts informing family therapy and systemic practice, covering the development of this innovative field from the 1950s to the present day. The book considers both British and International perspectives and includes the latest developments in current practice, regulation and innovation, looking at these developments within a wider political, cultural and geographical context. The fully revised fourth edition also contains new material on: EXPANDED Chapter 4 'Ideas that keep knocking on the door'-updated with applications of attachment & narrative therapy, linking these ideas to issues of developing the therapeutic alliance with families EXPANDED Chapter 5 'Systemic Formulation'- updated with a view of formulation as a core skill in many therapeutic models, and an alternative to diagnosis EXPANDED Chapter 6 '21st Century Practice Development'- updated to include cutting edge innovations in the field, such as integrative practice EXPANDED Chapter 7 'Couple Therapy'- updated to include the more recent process and outcome research in the models, making link with current systemic practice and using more illustrative examples and highlighting how Relate has changed EXPANDED Chapter 8 'Research and Evaluation'- updated with a greater range or research methods and contemporary emphasis on evidence based practice Greater focus on key family therapy skills throughout the book in the updated 'Formats of Exploration' feature in each chapter Expanded lists of key texts and diagrams, suggested reading organized by topic, and new practical examples and exercises are also used in order to encourage the reader to explore and experiment with the ideas in their own practice. This book is key reading for students and practitioners of family therapy and systemic practice as well as those from the fields of counselling, psychology, social work and the helping professions who deal with family issues.
Learn the fundamentals of family therapy and treatment! An Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy presents insight and analysis from 20 of the foremost experts in the theoretical and practice areas of family therapy, offering a unique blend of approaches and styles. Chapters draw on each author's area of expertise in exploring the history of family therapy and the application of systems theory to families. Ideal as a comprehensive resource for entry-level students, the book also gives undergraduates a glimpse of graduate training and provides useful tips on how to apply to graduate school and what to expect while shopping for graduate education. An Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy is divided into two parts: a theoretical section, where commonly used theories are presented with practical case examples, and a section devoted to special issues and topics, such as couples therapy, communication training, marital enrichment and premarital counseling. The book also covers substance abuse, divorce, gender and culture, family violence, sexual dysfunctions and sex therapy treatment, and the interface of ethics and the legal system. An Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy also discusses: the history of family therapy systems theory and cybernetics structural and strategic family therapy cognitive-behavioral, experiential, and transgenerational therapies collaborative language-based models current research findings and much more! With its unique and comprehensive approach, An Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy serves as a theoretical introduction to the field of marriage and therapy and related mental health disciplines where family treatment is emphasized. The book is essential for educators in marriage and family counseling classes and is an invaluable resource for therapists, counselors, social work professionals, pastoral educators, and family psychologists.
Lists of key texts and diagrams, suggested reading organized by topic, and practical examples and exercises are also used in order to encourage the reader to explore and experiment with the ideas in their own practice. --
Drawing on many years' experience in practice, teaching and research, Mark Rivett and Eddy Street present philosophical, sociological and empirical views of family therapy. Balancing the perceived benefits against the potential limitations, they pose questions, which challenge those within the profession to think hard about their role. } does family therapy work? } can those most in need really be helped? } is family therapy a means of social control? } who does professionalization help? While most texts offer a straightforward and uncritical perspective, in contrast Family Therapy in Focus aims to stimulate debate among practitioners and to help trainees adopt a more reflective and critical attitude towards their own professional development and the development of their profession.
An affirming guide equipping family therapists to effectively incorporate positive psychology within their practices The next step in the evolution of family therapy, positive psychology has enabled family therapists to help families—whatever their form—to build upon their strengths, overcome dysfunction, and move to new levels of harmony and thriving. Positive Psychology and Family Therapy: Creative Techniques and Practical Tools for Guiding Change and Enhancing Growth integrates positive psychology into traditional family therapy, presenting therapists with best-practice wisdom and evidence-based clinical tools to help?turn dysfunctional or troubled families into flourishing families. Contributing a unique perspective to the field that combines the research, practice, and theory associated with the latest in positive psychology and family therapy, Positive Psychology and Family Therapy equips therapists to cultivate virtues, such as empathy, kindness, responsibility, involvement, social justice, work ethic, teamwork, purpose, and volunteerism. Filled with homework assignments and exercises that integrate positive techniques and interventions, this book establishes and promotes the family as the basic building block of the individual and the community. Offering therapists with no previous introduction to positive psychology a solid foundation, this text includes essential discussion of family interventions and techniques that demonstrate positive family therapy, as well as case examples that bring the concepts covered to life in real and accessible scenarios. Authors Collie Conoley and Jane Close Conoley draw from their years of experience working with families to offer an integrated, practical?approach that allows family therapists to utilize positive psychology principles effectively within their practices.
Family Therapy: An Introduction to Process, Practice and Theory is a primer for students, professionals, and trainees to understand how family therapists conceptualize the problems people bring to therapy, utilize basic therapeutic skills to engage clients in the therapeutic process, and navigate the predominant models of family therapy. This text walks readers through each of these main areas via a straightforward writing style where they are provided with exercises and questions to help them develop the basic concepts and tools of being a family therapist. Upon finishing this book, students will have the foundational skills and knowledge needed to work relationally and systemically with clients.
