Foundations of Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling

A relevant and practical approach to the world of marriage, couples, and family counseling--updated

Foundations of Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling, Second Edition, presents the theory, research, and real-life practice that today's student counselors and therapists need to know to work in family therapy settings. Aligned with the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), this useful text covers both foundational topics and modern issues not included in other texts, such as sexuality, trauma, divorce, domestic violence, addictions, filial play therapy, and using community genograms to position culture and context in family therapy. In addition to the updated content in each chapter, this Second Edition has a newly written chapter on assessment and a brand-new chapter on the topic of climate change and helping families mitigate, adapt, and transition during disruption.

With a unique focus on practical applications, the book discusses the major family therapy theories and provides readers with the skills and techniques they need to help couples and families in any environment. Each chapter contains case studies and anecdotes that help readers think critically about the issues they are likely to deal with as clinicians.

• Master the basic knowledge and skills essential to couples and family therapy
• Understand the history, concepts, and techniques associated with major theories--including a new chapter on the latest assessment strategies
• Examine contemporary issues and interventions related to trauma, divorce, domestic violence, sexuality, climate change disruption, and more
• Consider the modern realities of family, diversity and culture, and systemic contexts

In family and couples counseling, we must grapple with a complex interplay of individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors inherent. Foundations of Couples, Marriage, and Family Counseling helps readers sort out the complexity and guide clients toward lasting resolution.