Family Therapy: Concepts and Methods, 9th Edition

Description

Family Therapy: Concepts & Methods is the definitive, classic in the field and covers all the major schools and developments in Family Therapy.

Just some of the features that make this book so widely used -

• Brief biographies and photos of some of the leading family therapists of the twentieth century 
• Extensive coverage of professional ethics, reflecting the need for students to have increased awareness of professional issues in family therapy
• Unique issues family therapists encounter when providing home-based services
  Latest research and data - often before that research is published in other forums

• several new case studies
• a new summary of major theoretical concepts
• a new section on working with common forms of family trianges
• new sections on Sex and the Internet and Neuroscience and Relationships
• and much more!

"One thing that tends to get lost in academic discussions of family therapy is the feeling of accomplishment that comes from sitting down with an unhappy family and being able to help them. Beginning therapists are understandably anxious and not sure they’ll know how to proceed. (“How do you get all of themto come in?”) Veterans often speak in abstractions. They have opinions and discuss big issues—postmodernism, narrative reconstructionism, second-order cybernetics. While it’s tempting to use this space to say Important Things, I prefer to be a little more personal. Treating troubled families has given me the greatest satisfaction imaginable, and I hope that the same is or will be true for you."

 - Michael P. Nichols

Reviews

Rating: 1 / 5
Date: 2010-08-31
Summary: "Terrible Textbook"

This text is multiculturally ignorant as well as sexist. I don't typically review much of anything, but this text is bad enough that I feel the need to.

At one point in the book, the author takes the stance that if somebody in a family is physically abusive, it's the man. If the woman IS abusive (as well as the man), then it should be noted that unless she has a weapon, she isn't much of a threat as she isn't as physically powerful. Another point in the text states it's best not to take time to become culturally competent (as you'll never know everything), but rather it's best just to be inquisitive. It also includes nearly no mention of non-traditional families.

Bottom line: It's shameful that a book updated in 2010 is as narrow and outdated as this is. I'd recommend exploring all possible options before buying it. I keep all my texts, but this one's getting sold when the class is over.

Rating: 1 / 5
Date: 2010-08-15
Summary: "Biased"

Although the author states that therapists need to be cautious of bias, this book reads as if written in the 1950s. Abusers are all men, with the author going so far as to state that female abusers are not a risk because they lack the strength to do any damage. I was stunned to see that this text had been updated in 2010 - the author and editors clearly missed updating for sexual and gender stereotypes. In the world of this author, sexual abusers are always men and mothers always become the primary caregiver in the case of divorce (but a good therapist can convince fathers to step up). Gays get a small mention but not as parents, only due to the need to recognize that families receiving the news of a child coming out can react with upset, fear, etc., there is no mention of reacting with acceptance and love. Simple read but seriously out of touch.

Rating: 2 / 5
Date: 2010-07-31
Summary: "Family Systems"

This book proved very useful because as a text for information on working with families. I found the information in the chapters set-up in a way that was very effective. Case studies were good

Rating: 4 / 5
Date: 2010-07-30
Summary: "This book was for a class online."

I had to buy this book for a class I am taking toward my Doctoral. Despite having no choice but to buy this book, it really offers some really important information. I am planning on keeping this book to add to my collection of textbooks for future use!

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-06-20
Summary: "The Best!"

I absolutely love this book. I have learned so much from this book more than other texts I have had in my MFT program. Everyone who has an interest in how families function or is a prospective therapist, should definately buy this book. Buy the 9th edition and don't worry about the cost because it does have more info than onther editions.