Most writing in marriage and family therapy presents readers with an established system of how to change families so as to relieve the symptoms of the stress they are suffering. The reader is encouraged to follow a rigid system and adopt one particular theoretical basis for bringing about change. The authors, two hands-on teachers, offer something different. They are sharing a "clinical anthropologist's" view of what happens when a family interacts with a professional who has dallied with the fads but finds success in doing what works. The authors have gathered data and organized it into a multifaceted notebook with value for both the novice and more experienced therapist. Hidden behind the descriptions of what to do and when readers can see the message of gentle care offered to families in pain. Topics covered include: first contact procedures, assessment, initial and middle stage treatment procedures, procedures for challenging sessions, and more. A resource all clinicians can draw upon, especially those early in their careers and those just beginning as marriage and family therapists.
