Synopses & Reviews
This compendium of case studies is an exciting way for readers to learn about new approaches in this rapidly changing field. "Case Book in Family Therapy" is both practical and timely, and is both empirically and theoretically based. As new theories in family therapy rapidly emerge, these case studies examine the gamut of therapy models, including Solution-Focused Therapy, Collaborative Language Systems, and Narrative Theory. The Casebook also examines the increasing number of integrative approaches that blend together various existing therapy models based on empirical research and practical experience. This integrative coverage reflects the greater convergence, conceptually and technically, of distinct theories of family therapy. The diverse scope of authors contributing to the Casebook all have extensive clinical and empirical experience with their selected theory, and some have had an affiliation with the major training center where specific theories have evolved. To bring their areas of expertise into the students' realm, contributing authors include extensive verbatims and commentaries that detail how the theories are implemented. Lawson and Prevatt sought, and found, a variety of couple and conjoint family cases that represent typical cases seen by practitioners.
Review
"I would be interested in using a book like this. I think it fills a gap in teaching literature, and I am very enthusiastic about the concept. I wish I had thought of it. The interesting thing about this kind of format is that if the cases and applications are good, the book will be useful to more than one level of student. For beginners, there will be the opportunity to see how a theory fits a specific case, and how the therapist will apply both theory and technique. The more advanced students can also critique the case at a more sophisticated level."
Review
"I see this book as having many strengths and a great deal to offer in filling a much recognized training void. I would definitely adopt this text. By identifying twelve widely-used therapeutic approaches, the book ensures attention to all relevant approaches."
About the Author
Ph.D., 1981 University of North TexasPh.D., 1985 University of Virginia
Table of Contents
1.CONTEXTUAL THERAPY Case: Work with a Psychotic Client and Her Family 2. INTEGRATED INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILY THERAPY Case: A Single Parent with Depression and Anxiety 3. INTEGRATIVE COUPLE THERAPY Case: A Distressed Couple with Intimacy Problems 4. PRAGMATIC COUPLE THERAPY: AN INFORMED PLURALISTIC APPROACH Case: A Couple with Sexual and Financial Difficulties 5. STRUCTURAL FAMILY THERAPY Case: Four Cases of Dysfunctional Family Structures 6. THE BRIEF THERAPY APPROACH OF THE PALO ALTO GROUP Case: An Adult Son Remains at Home 7. THE HUMANISTIC APPROACH OF VIRGINIA SATIR Case: Rebuilding Connections in a Family Coping with Incest 8. MILAN SYSTEMIC FAMILY THERAPY Case: Acting Out Children Provide a Shield for Marital Difficulties 9. STRATEGIC THERAPY Case: Working with an Oppositional Child and Her Family 10. SOLUTION-FOCUSED THERAPY Case: A Substance Abusing Father and the Family 11. A POSTMODERN COLLABORATIVE APPROACH TO THERAPY Case: A Distressed Family with Marital and Father/Daughter Relationship Problems 12. NARRATIVE THERAPY Case: Alcoholism Undermines a Marriage 13. PSYCHOEDUCATIONAL FAMILY THERAPY Case: A Child with Diabetes 14. CURRENT ISSUES AND TRENDS IN FAMILY THERAPY