Main description:

Wise, compassionate, and highly practical, this engaging text covers the entire process of therapeutic work with couples, from opening sessions and assessment through skills building, addressing core issues, and termination. Students and novice couple therapists learn effective strategies for intervening with couples of any age who are struggling with acute crises or longstanding conflicts and power struggles. Rich with sensitive, detailed case material, the book features numerous exercises that help readers identify and develop their own strengths as practitioners. Self-care strategies and tips for getting the most out of supervision are provided. Special topics include how to address couple issues with only one partner and couple therapy applications for chronic mental health problems.

Contents:

Into the Fray: Theoretical Foundation and Overview. The Basics: Clinical Goals and Tasks. Beginnings: Presentations, Assessments, and Goals. Beginnings in Action. Clearing the Clutter: Improving Communication Skills. Drilling Down: Core Issues. Termination. Of Money, Sex, and Children: Handling the Power Issues. The Challenges of the Early Years. Re-creating the Vision. Battle and Loss: Managing the Teenage Years. One Big Happy Family: Working with Stepfamilies. The Challenges of Old Age. One Helping Two, Two Helping One: Working with Individuals in Relationships. Life in the Details: The Nuts and Bolts of Couple Therapy.