Overview

Wise, compassionate, and highly practical, this engaging text covers the entire process of therapeutic work with couples, from opening sessions and assessment through skills building, core issues, and termination. Students and novice couple therapists learn effective strategies for intervening with couples of any age who are struggling with acute crises or longstanding conflicts and power struggles. Rich with sensitive, detailed case material, the book features numerous exercises that help readers identify and develop their own strengths as practitioners. Self-care strategies and tips for getting the most out of supervision are provided. Special topics include how to address couple issues with only one partner and couple therapy applications for chronic mental health problems.

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9781609182045

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Reviews

I have used this book several times in my graduate-level course on Intervention Approaches for Couples. I am always looking for texts that are well written, well priced, and that will be good references for students after they graduate and enter the 'real world.' This book is all of the above! It is practical, has a great combination of theory and skills, and resonates with most students. I also like the end-of-chapter exercises and questions. --Judy Zisk Lincoff, LCSW, Instructor, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis This practical and compassionate book lays out a clear and convincing framework for conducting couple therapy. It helps clinicians make the critical transition from individual to 'couple' thinking and provides the know-how and techniques for successful treatment of diverse relational problems. A key advance is its sensitivity to life cycle challenges that often form the backdrop to couple conflicts. This volume is sure to be an invaluable resource for practicing clinicians and therapists in training. --Jefferson A. Singer, PhD, Department of Psychology, Connecticut College This groundbreaking book will be of tremendous help to clinicians who want to expand their ability to work with couples. Drawing from a number of perspectives, including family systems, cognitive-behavioral, and psychodynamic approaches, Taibbi has produced a concise, coherent primer. The reader will find practical guidance on understanding and treating the unique challenges facing couples at various phases of the lifespan, including difficulties around money, work, sex, children, and in-laws. Taibbi shows how to keep sessions moving and provides a guide for action-oriented treatment, clearly demonstrating how the work can change the dynamics of relationships. --Marion Solomon, PhD, Director of Training, Lifespan Learning Institute, Los Angeles, California This thoughtful and practical guide carefully leads the therapist through each stage of the therapeutic encounter with a couple. Of particular value for therapists in training is a study guide at the end of each chapter that encourages readers to explore their own process and use-of-self as an instrument for change. --David E. Greenan, LMFT, EdD, senior faculty, Minuchin Center for the Family, New York, New York There are a number of books on doing couple therapy based on a particular model, but until now, there hasn't been a text for beginning couple therapists that is so comprehensive, practical, and eclectic. Illustrated with clear, compelling examples, this book is filled with the sage advice of a leader in the field. It is written in a direct, highly readable style, as if the reader were sitting in Taibbi's office receiving hours of supervision. Doing couple therapy can be like navigating a minefield--this book provides the map I wish I'd had when I was starting out. --Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, Center for Self Leadership, Oak Park, Illinois A gift for seasoned therapists and beginners alike. Treating the intricacies, delicate balances, and difficult compromises of any couple relationship is different from working with individuals or families, and is arguably the most challenging form of therapy. In very clear, engaging writing, Taibbi presents a comprehensive, integrated model of couple treatment. He constructively demonstrates how to utilize systems, behavioral, and developmental treatment models, while keeping the therapy direct, simple, and profoundly compassionate. Despite specializing in couples work for the past 20 years, I found Taibbi's approach compelling and refreshing. There were many useful insights for this old dog, who was quite delighted to learn some new tricks. --David Treadway, PhD, private practice, Weston, Massachusetts

There are a number of books on doing couple therapy based on a particular model, but until now, there hasn't been a text for beginning couple therapists that is so comprehensive, practical, and eclectic. - Richard C. Schwartz, Center for Self Leadership, Illinois, USA Treating the intricacies, delicate balances, and difficult compromises of any couple relationship is different from working with individuals or families, and is arguably the most challenging form of therapy... Despite specializing in couples work for the past 20 years, I found Taibbi's approach compelling and refreshing. - David Treadway, in private practice, Massachusetts, USA

There are a number of books on doing couple therapy based on a particular model, but until now, there hasn't been a text for beginning couple therapists that is so comprehensive, practical, and eclectic. - Richard C. Schwartz, Center for Self Leadership, Oak Park, Illinois, USA Treating the intricacies, delicate balances, and difficult compromises of any couple relationship is different from working with individuals or families, and is arguably the most challenging form of therapy...Despite specializing in couples work for the past 20 years, I found Taibbi's approach compelling and refreshing. - David Treadway, in private practice, Weston, Massachusetts, USA

Author Information

Robert Taibbi, LCSW, in private practice, Charlottesville, VA, USA

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