Couple and Family Therapy: A Case Approach, 1st edition

For courses in marriage and family counseling.

A case-based, applied approach to the major theories of couple and family therapy

Couple and Family Therapy presents the major theories of couple and family therapy using a case-based approach. It helps students understand how to apply theory to counseling practice. Each chapter begins with a distinct, realistic client case. Both foundational theories and current approaches are presented in a common structure.

In the 1st Edition, each chapter presents evidence-based research of the theory. It then evaluates the theory's application with clients of diverse backgrounds. The case-based presentation gives students effective, concrete examples.

Hallmark features of this title

• A case-based approach helps students immediately apply theoretical constructs, principles, assumptions, and techniques to a realistic client case overviewed at the start of the chapter and woven throughout.
• An overview of the couple and family approach to therapy is presented in Chapter 1. It includes a brief history of the approach, an overview of research relevant to couple and family work, and a consideration of how students might choose a theoretical approach to employ as practitioners.
• Foundational theories are presented, such as strategic (Ch. 2), structural (Ch. 3), experiential (Ch. 4) and Bowen (Ch. 5) family system theories.

New and updated features of this title

• Current approaches to working with couples and families include cognitive-behavior therapy (Ch. 6), emotion-focused therapy (Ch. 9), Gottman Approach (Ch.10), narrative therapy (Ch. 8), and solution-focused therapy (Ch. 7).
• Evidence-based practice is highlighted throughout. Each chapter contains extensive material presenting the evidence base for the theoretical approach, both outcome evidence (i.e., does it work?) and theory testing research (how does it work?).
• Diversity issues are considered for each theory presented. Each theory is examined for its utility with clients across a broad range of individual and cultural diversity.
• A common factors model helps students understand the roles of theory, research evidence, and the qualities of the client and therapist in producing good therapy outcomes (Ch.11).
• Illustrative examples are used to emphasize key points and further students' understanding of the material.