Assessing Families and Couples

Overview

A step-by-step guide to assessing couples and families, this text offers a clear delineation of the process of family therapy through richly illustrated case material, featuring clients from a diversity of backgrounds.

Appealing to both new and experienced therapists, Assessing Families and Couples portrays a clear picture of what occurs in a two-session model in conducting a family therapy assessment. The text begins with a brief historical review of family therapy and continues with a detailed explanation of the authors four-step assessment model. The assessment model is illustrated by a series of thoroughly detailed case studies, featuring African-American, European, Latin-American, Spanish, Irish, and Chinese families. Students and instructors alike will find this book an invaluable tool for the learning and teaching of family therapy assessment.  

What Reviewers are Saying

Given the reputation and standing of these authors in the history of family therapy, I will definitely take a look at this new book. First, to have the opportunity to be in essence in the room with Dr. Minuchin and be privy to each and every interaction is invaluable!   The demonstration of various and significant family therapy concepts as the sessions unfold are such a powerful learning opportunity. This is true for all of the cases. 

The Four Step model for assessing families and couples is an especially significant contribution for a teaching and learning tool in working with students who may be new to family social work practice. I am especially drawn to the richness the cases provide for making the theory and actual practice skills come alive.  

                                              Chrystal Barranti, California State University, Sacramento