Mastering Resistance

Carol M. Anderson is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.Susan Stewart is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh.

• 1. Resistance2. Initial Resistances3. Contract-Related Resistances4. Challenges to the Therapist's Competence5. Common Resistances in Ongoing Treatment6. Resistances Produced by Helping Systems

Mastering Resistance is an outstanding guide for trainees in the field of family therapy, and family therapy teachers should be delighted to have this book to assign to their students. Without oversimplifying the complexities of family therapy, it offers in a very clear format a way for beginners to grasp and keep in perspective the basics about avoiding becoming entangled in useless struggles with their clinical families. The writing style is clear, humorous where appropriate, and full of examples of the typical problems families present, along with suggested rules of thumb to consider in dealing with the everyday difficulties of clinical practice. By recognizing resistance and its functions in families, therapists can learn to respond positively and effectively.--Monica McGoldrick, LCSW, PhD (h.c.)Written with enlightenment, knowledge, and wisdom on a subject that is dear to the heart of every therapist. Its appeal is universal, since resistance, regardless of the name given it, is a central and continuing issue in all the healing arts.--Peggy Papp, MSW- I am always looking for good reading for trainees, and Mastering Resistance is just that. --Family Process, 2/11/1983