Examines this complex topic from the perspective of a counsellor working with a particular couple, with this work serving as a case study throughout the book. A variety of content is presented as it relates to the case study-narrative. The families of each partner in the case study's bi-racial family provide examples of various ways of coupling and illustrate real issues couples face.

Real-World Couple Counseling and Therapy: An Introductory Guide provides practitioners with an inclusive exploration of the unique features, challenges, and opportunities of contemporary couple counseling. Integrating CBT, existential, and systems approaches, and based on best available research, the text offers guidelines for beginning couple therapists along with breadth and depth of coverage. Comprehensive and pragmatic, it examines the essence of the field: assessment, ethics, tr

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.

Introduction to Couple Therapy and Counseling: A Case Study Approach examines this complex topic from the perspective of a counselor working with a particular couple, with this work serving as a case study throughout the book. A variety of content is presented as it relates to the case study-narrative. The families of each partner in the case study's bi-racial family provide examples of various ways of coupling and illustrate real issues couples face. Students learn basic concepts and techniques involved in working with couples, and the legal and ethical codes that apply to couples counselors. They become familiar with the historical, sociological, and anthropological correlates to how couples are viewed, and explore their own values and attitudes towards coupling. The book focuses on multicultural competence, sociocultural changes, and the evolution of counseling concepts. It also addresses how to connect clients with other services that are available to them. It includes questions for discussion and reflection. Self-awareness journaling, role-playing and family sculpting enhance the learning experience. Introduction to Couple Therapy and Counseling is well-suited to undergraduate and graduate level courses in counseling programs.

Introduction to Couple Therapy and Counseling: A Case Study Approach examines this complex topic from the perspective of a counselor working with a particular couple, with this work serving as a case study throughout the book. A variety of content is presented as it relates to the case study-narrative. The families of each partner in the case study's bi-racial family provide examples of various ways of coupling and illustrate real issues couples face. Students learn basic concepts and techniques involved in working with couples, and the legal and ethical codes that apply to couples counselors. They become familiar with the historical, sociological, and anthropological correlates to how couples are viewed, and explore their own values and attitudes towards coupling. The book focuses on multicultural competence, sociocultural changes, and the evolution of counseling concepts. It also addresses how to connect clients with other services that are available to them. It includes questions for discussion and reflection. Self-awareness journaling, role-playing and family sculpting enhance the learning experience. Introduction to Couple Therapy and Counseling is well-suited to undergraduate and graduate level courses in counseling programs.

An ideal supplemental text, this instructive casebook presents in-depth illustrations of treatment based on the most important couple therapy models. An array of leading clinicians offer a window onto how they work with clients grappling with mild and more serious clinical concerns, including conflicts surrounding intimacy, sex, power, and communication; parenting issues; and mental illness. Featuring couples of varying ages, cultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations, the cases shed light on both what works and what doesn't work when treating intimate partners. Each candid case presentation includes engaging comments and discussion questions from the editor. See also Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy, Fourth Edition, also edited by Alan S. Gurman, which provides an authoritative overview of theory and practice.