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.
Preface xiii
Acknowledgments xv
Meet the Editors xvii
Meet the Contributors xix
PART 1 ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 1
Chapter 1 Variations in Family Systems and Family Life Cycles 3
David Capuzzi, Mark D. Stauffer, and Nicholaus Erber-LaPierre
Functional and Dysfunctional Families 4
Variations in Family Systems 6
The Family Life Cycle 12
Summary 18
Useful Websites 18
References 18
Chapter 2 Using Community Genograms to Position Culture and Context in Family Therapy 23
Sandra A. Rigazio-DiGilio and Hyeseong Kang
Making the Invisible Visible: The Evolution of Genograms 24
Community Genograms: Capturing the Complexity of Culture and Context 28
Basic Components of Standard Community Genograms 31
Using Community Genograms to Extend Client Perspectives 36
Using Community Genograms as Consultants and Advocates 39
Summary 43
Useful Websites 44
References 44
Chapter 3 Diversity and Intercultural Work in Family Counseling 47
Brian S. Canfield
Goals 48
Background 49
Major Constructs 50
Techniques 54
Limitations 57
Summary 58
Websites and Links 58
References 59
Chapter 4 Assessment of Families and Family Systems 61
Jessica A. Russo, Jason H. King, and Russell C. Gaede
Research Methods in Couples and Family Therapy 61
The Role of Assessment in Couples and Family Therapy 63
Ethical and Professional Issues in Assessment 65
Assessment and Diagnosis 65
Assessments and Inventories for Couples and Family Counseling 65
LGBTQ+ Population 68
Stepfamily Marriages 68
Assessing Specific Problems and Stressors 69
Assessing the Quality of the Relationship 70
Family Assessment Instruments 70
Summary 80
References 81
Chapter 5 Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues 83
Anthony S. Zazzarino, Deena Shelton, and Melinda Haley
Ethical Issues 84
Legal Issues 88
HIPAA 89
Licensure 89
Professional Issues 92
Accreditation 97
Summary 98
Useful Websites 98
References 99
PART 2 THEORIES: HISTORY, CONCEPTS, AND TECHNIQUES 103
Chapter 6 Psychodynamic Theories: Approaches and Applications 105
Stephanie K. Scott PhD, LMHC
Background 106
Major Constructs 109
Goals 113
Techniques 115
Limitations 121
Summary 123
References 123
Chapter 7 Experiential and Humanistic Theories: Approaches and Applications 125
Michael J. Walsh, Mark B. Scholl, and Michelle Perepiczka
Carl Whitaker 126
Walter Kempler 132
Virginia Satir 136
Limitations 143
Summary 144
Useful Websites 144
References 144
Chapter 8 Bowenian Family Systems Theory: Approaches and Applications 149
DoHee Kim-Appel and Jonathan K. Appel
Background 149
Bowen’s Family Systems Theory 150
Major Constructs 151
Counseling Techniques 163
Limitations and Future Research 166
Summary 167
Useful Websites 168
References 168
Chapter 9 Structural Theory: Approaches and Applications 173
Shawn P. Parmanand and Esther N. Benoit
Theoretical Overview 173
Major Constructs 175
Goals 184
Techniques 185
Limitations 188
Summary 189
Useful Websites 189
References 190
Chapter 10 Strategic and Milan Systemic Theories: Approaches and Applications 191
Mark D. Stauffer, Heather J. Ambrose, and John M. Robbins
Background 191
Major Constructs 192
Washington School of Strategic Therapy 194
Mental Research Institute (MRI) School 199
Milan Systemic School 201
Strategic Therapy Limitations 205
Summary 205
Useful Websites 205
References 206
Chapter 11 Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral Theories: Approaches and Applications 209
Marvarene Oliver, Kimberlee A. Mincey, and Yvonne O. Castillo
Background 210
Techniques 221
Limitations 223
Summary 224
References 224
PART 3 COUPLE WORK 227
Chapter 12 Key Issues and Interventions in Couples Counseling 229
Montserrat Casado-Kehoe and Diane Kimball
Couples Counseling Models and Interventions 230
Summary 246
Useful Websites 246
References 247
Chapter 13 Sexuality and Gender in Couples Counseling 251
Janet G. Froeschle Hicks, Brandé N. Flamez, Logan Winkelman, and Nicole Noble
Definitions of Gender and Sex 252
Couple Differentiation 264
Counselor Sexuality Training 266
Summary 268
Useful Websites 268
References 268
Chapter 14 Counseling Couples Using Life Cycle and Narrative Therapy Lenses 273
Colleen R. Logan, Aaron H. Jackson, Dawn M. Wirick, and Lee A. Teufel-Prida
Case Study 273
Termination 285
Referral 286
Summary 286
Useful Websites 287
References 287
PART 4 SPECIAL ISSUES 289
Chapter 15 Filial Play Therapy and Other Strategies for Working With Parents 291
John Sommers-Flanagan, Kirsten W. Murray, and Christina G. Yoshimura
Parenting Problems and Theoretical Models 292
Core Principles for Working with Parents 294
Filial Therapy: An Approach for Working Directly with Parents 298
Summary 308
Useful Websites 309
References 309
Chapter 16 Family Work in Addictions Counseling 311
Pamela S. Lassiter, Astra B. Czerny, and Cherria M. Moore
What is Addiction? 311
Prevalence of Addiction in Families 311
Impact of Addiction 312
Substance Abuse Versus Nonsubstance Addictions 312
Biopsychosocial Epistemology of Addiction 313
Using Family Therapy as a Treatment Modality 316
Family Dynamics and Addiction 316
Recruitment of Addicted Families 319
Assessment Strategies 319
Assessment and Initial Interviews 320
Joining with Addicted Families 321
Segmenting 321
Stages of Change 321
Motivational Interviewing 322
Family Interventions Protocols 323
Family Education Programs 323
Goals for Therapy with Families with Addiction 323
Training and Supervision 328
Summary 329
References 331
Chapter 17 Violence, Abuse, and Trauma in Family Therapy 335
Danica G. Hays and S. Todd Bolin
Introduction to Violence, Abuse, and Trauma 335
Diversity Considerations 339
Counseling Families Experiencing Violence, Abuse, and Trauma 341
Postscript: Counselor Self-Care 347
Summary 348
Useful Websites 349
References 349
Chapter 18 Divorce and Other Loss Issues in Family Therapy 357
Thelma Duffey
The Grief Experience 357
Family Communication During the Grief Process 358
Culture, Communication, and the Expression of Grief 359
Theories of Grief 360
Kübler-Ross Grief Cycle Model 360
Bowlby’s Attachment Theory 361
A Family’s Adaption to Loss 362
Common Experiences of Loss in a Family System 363
Divorce 363
Divorcing Couples 364
Children of Divorcing Families 364
Adult Children of Divorce 365
A Child Dies 365
Grief and Loss in Older Adulthood 367
Ambiguous Loss 368
Childhood Trauma as Ambiguous Loss 368
Getting the Family Involved 369
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 369
Miscarriage as Ambiguous Loss 369
Disenfranchised and Stigmatized Losses 370
Issues of Loss With Gay and Lesbian Couples 370
Creativity in Grief and Loss Counseling 371
Creative Interventions With Couples and Families Experiencing Loss 372
Summary 373
Useful Websites 374
References 374
Chapter 19 Climate Crises: Helping Families Mitigate, Adapt, and Transition During Disruption 377
Debbie C. Sturm, Ph.D., Anne L. Metz, Ph.D., Judy A. Daniels, Ph.D., and Mark D. Stauffer, Ph.D.
Lack of Nature Contact 378
Mental Health Impact of the Climate Crisis 379
Climate Crisis Specific Mental Health Considerations 380
Ecowellness: An Approach to Working With Affected Families 381
Family Counseling With Vulnerable Populations 383
Counseling Families With children 384
Listening and Talking With Children About Climate Concerns 384
Helping Families Prepare for a Climate Related-Disaster 386
Supporting Families Who Experience Climate Disasters 387
People Deciding Whether to Have Children 387
Nature Connection as a Family Intervention 388
Summary 390
References 390
Index 391
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