Doing Couple Therapy Second Edition

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, 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.

"Subject Areas/Keywords: brief, conflicts, counseling, couple therapy, couples therapy, distress, divorce, families, family, intimate relationships, marital problems, marriage, partners, psychotherapy, systemic, techniques, therapists, treatment maps, treatments DESCRIPTION Now thoroughly revised, this practical, user-friendly guide has helped thousands of novice couple therapists and students to navigate the challenges of clinical work with couples in conflict. Robert Taibbi presents effective strategies for rapidly identifying a couple's core issues and conducting each stage of therapy, from the first sessions to termination. Rich with sensitive, detailed case material, the book features end-of-chapter exercises that help readers identify and develop their own strengths as practitioners. Appendices include reproducible client handouts that can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size"--

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, 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.

Now thoroughly revised, this practical, user-friendly guide has helped thousands of novice couple therapists and students to navigate the challenges of clinical work with couples in conflict. Robert Taibbi presents effective strategies for rapidly identifying a couple's core issues and conducting each stage of therapy, from the first sessions to termination. Rich with sensitive case material, the book features end-of-chapter exercises that help readers identify and develop their own strengths as practitioners. Appendices include reproducible client handouts that can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. New to This Edition *Three chapters offering detailed treatment maps for common couple problems, with new case examples. *Chapter on the middle stages of treatment. *Increased attention to the all-important opening sessions. *Sharper focus on the three major obstacles to couple success: poor communication, emotional wounds, and differing visions. *Reproducible client handouts explaining key techniques. See also the author's Doing Family Therapy, Third Edition: Craft and Creativity in Clinical Practice.

"Subject Areas/Keywords: brief, conflicts, counseling, couple therapy, couples therapy, distress, divorce, families, family, intimate relationships, marital problems, marriage, partners, psychotherapy, systemic, techniques, therapists, treatment maps, treatments DESCRIPTION Now thoroughly revised, this practical, user-friendly guide has helped thousands of novice couple therapists and students to navigate the challenges of clinical work with couples in conflict. Robert Taibbi presents effective strategies for rapidly identifying a couple's core issues and conducting each stage of therapy, from the first sessions to termination. Rich with sensitive, detailed case material, the book features end-of-chapter exercises that help readers identify and develop their own strengths as practitioners. Appendices include reproducible client handouts that can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size"--

This popular text helps students and clinicians build essential skills common to all family interventions. The entire process of systemic therapy is richly illustrated with chapter-length case examples. Rather than advocating one best approach, the author shows that there are multiple ways of working, and provides reflection questions and exercises that encourage readers to develop their own clinical style.

How do couples get beyond the reactivity and blaming that destroy self-esteem and good will? How can couples sort out the multiple layers and complexities in their relationships? Is it possible to move from impasse to dialogue? Here, in one brief volume, are the answers to these questions and many others. Doing Couple Therapy will be a lifesaver for family therapy students and beginning therapists. In a straightforward manner, the authors sift through years of family therapy theory to draw out for readers a a treasury of ways to sort out the many factors, past and present, that crowd couples' relationships. These include family-of-origin issues, previous relationships, secrets, children, in-laws, unresolves lodes, job demands, financial worries—to name just a few. The authors' framework, built from the major influential theories of family and marital therapy, will enable therapists to work effectively and briefly, though not superficially, with couples. The book not only presents theory but also links theory with practice. An extraordinary contribution is the presentation of a typical case from beginning to end, through tender moments, rough spots, family-of-origin work, revelation of deeply held secrets, alcohol abuse, ultimatums, and finally, renewal of commitment to the relationship. This practical, real-life guide to couple therapy will give both students and seasoned therapists a new take on the demanding work of couple therapy.

Readable and concise yet immensely informative, this bestselling text prepares students and new therapists to work confidently and effectively in real-world clinical practice with families. The authors offer wise and compassionate guidance on everything from intake and assessment to treatment planning, the nuts and bolts of specific interventions, the nuances of establishing therapeutic relationships, and how to troubleshoot when treatment gets “stuck.” They help the novice clinician navigate typical dilemmas and concerns, and spell out the basics of therapist self-care. Vivid case examples, sample forms, and quick-reference tables enhance the utility of the text. New to This Edition *Updated throughout to reflect current clinical findings and practices. *Many new or revised case examples. *Now more integrative--shows how to flexibly draw on multiple theories and techniques. *New topics, including "Dealing with Clients We Dislike." See also the authors' Essential Assessment Skills for Couple and Family Therapists, which shows how to weave assessment into all phases of therapy, and Clinician's Guide to Research Methods in Family Therapy.