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.

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.

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.

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.

This substantially revised, expanded and updated edition of the popular Handbook of Theory for Practice Teachers is a comprehensive summary of the theory, knowledge, research and evidence relating to practice learning in social care. Focussing on knowledge-based practice with a focus on improving outcomes, the five sections of the book cover: * the reasons and circumstances in which people may become social work service users * a holistic consideration of assessment in general and specific contexts, including risk assessment and management * methods of intervention, including cognitive behavioural social work, task centred practice, advocacy, crisis intervention, family therapy and group care * the legal, policy, research and evidence context in which assessment and intervention occur, as well as interdisciplinary work and organisational aspects of social work practice * reflective practice, evaluation and evidence based practice as integral parts of social workers' engagement with the complex needs of individuals outside the existing parameters of policy or research findings. This key text is essential reading for students, practitioners and teachers in social work.

`I liked this book. Though I am not a family therapist, like most mental health nurses I try to bear in mind the family relationships of individuals I am working with. This is an enlightening text which not only offer a framework with which we can better understand the severe psychopathologies seen in forensic work, but also gives examples of how it may be used therapeutically' - Mental Health Practice Roger Lowe's book provides a refreshingly different approach to working with families, which chimes with the growing interest in constructive approaches. It is written for trainees and for practitioners who are interested in developing their skills in this collaborative and optimistic approach.

In this book, psychiatrists, speech, family and occupational therapists and neurodevelopment specialists present a range of behavioural and psychological strategies to help disorganized children improve concentration and performance in the classroom and deal with a variety of behaviour and social interaction difficulties.

Systemic theory offers a valuable framework for integrating the diverse ideas found throughout the mental health arena in both theory and clinical practice. With this accessible book, the authors take you on an enjoyable and coherent journey through systemic theory. They then review the body of research into family therapy and conclude with a critical review of major recent developments in theory and application. At the end of several chapters are reflexive notes containing exercises that relate to the ideas and processes found within the chapter to further develop the reader's understanding. The conclusion draws together the ideas found throughout the book, with particular emphasis on the interlocking triangle of formulation, intervention and evaluation and how this will impact on systemic practice in the future. While this book will be an invaluable introduction to family systems theory and practice for clinical psychology training courses, plugging a gap that the authors have identified as one of their motives for writing it, its remit runs much wider. It will prove an essential companion for any professional working in the public services, whether systemically trained or not.