Synopses & Reviews
A model for successful integration of multiple points of view, James R. Bitter's THEORY AND PRACTICE OF FAMILY COUNSELING AND THERAPY supports the development of personal, professional, and ethical family practice. The text's concrete, empirically based approaches, as well as diagnostics and visual tools, allow you to observe others in groups. Case studies, sample dialogues, and exercises help you to apply the concepts you've learned.
Review
"This is the most readable, practical, student-friendly, and understandable text for introductory family therapy and counseling courses on the market today! It also emphasizes postmodernism and the early influence of Adler on family system theory development and the development of parent training programs in wide use today." "This is a very sound choice for beginning marriage and family counseling ..."
Review
"This text is highly readable, clear, and application-focused. It does an excellent job of describing the classic models of MFT. It provides several case examples, and shows how to apply each model to one case. The organization of each chapter is consistent, which facilitates the reader's grasp of similarities and differences among the various approaches. Dr. Bitter's style is personal, engaging, and encouraging. He knows what he is talking about, and communicates clearly with the reader. This is one text on family therapy models that is actually interesting to read and that avoids excessive abstractions."
Review
"The author does a tremendous service to the profession by presenting the works of the masters in a new light. It is engaging, highly readable, and dare I say, fun!"
Review
"Its greatest strength is its ability to engage the reader on a fully human level without resorting to 'academic speak' that goes over the head of the typical reader. The author clearly has a vast wealth of experience and experiences and they are conveyed in a light hearted and encouraging (not preachy) tone." "Having the Quest family throughout the text is really helpful for the student who may be trying to conceptualize the myriad theories within a real world context."
About the Author
James R. Bitter is a professor in the Counseling Department at East Tennessee State University. He has more than 38 years of teaching experience and has authored numerous publications, including 33 chapters or sections written for textbooks and trade books, more than 30 journal articles, and six videos. He also has served on four editorial boards and has conducted many seminars across the country and internationally. His teaching, publications, and training have focused on marriage and family and Adlerian therapy.
Table of Contents
"This is the most readable, practical, student-friendly, and understandable text for introductory family therapy and counseling courses on the market today! It also emphasizes postmodernism and the early influence of Adler on family system theory development and the development of parent training programs in wide use today." "This is a very sound choice for beginning marriage and family counseling …" "This text is highly readable, clear, and application-focused. It does an excellent job of describing the classic models of MFT. It provides several case examples, and shows how to apply each model to one case. The organization of each chapter is consistent, which facilitates the reader's grasp of similarities and differences among the various approaches. Dr. Bitter's style is personal, engaging, and encouraging. He knows what he is talking about, and communicates clearly with the reader. This is one text on family therapy models that is actually interesting to read and that avoids excessive abstractions." "The author does a tremendous service to the profession by presenting the works of the masters in a new light. It is engaging, highly readable, and dare I say, fun!" "Its greatest strength is its ability to engage the reader on a fully human level without resorting to 'academic speak' that goes over the head of the typical reader. The author clearly has a vast wealth of experience and experiences and they are conveyed in a light hearted and encouraging (not preachy) tone." "Having the Quest family throughout the text is really helpful for the student who may be trying to conceptualize the myriad theories within a real world context."