Essential skills in family therapy : from the first interview to termination / JoEllen Patterson, Lee Williams, Todd M. Edwards, Larry Chamow, Claudia Grauf-Grounds.

Formerly CIP. Uk

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Revision of: Essential skills in family therapy / JoEllen Patterson ... [et al.] ; foreword by Douglas H. Sprenkle. 2009. 2nd ed.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The beginning family therapist: taking on the challenge -- Before the intial interview -- The initial interview -- Guidelines for conduction assessment -- Developing a treatment focus and a treatment plan -- Basic treatment skills and interventions -- Working with families and children -- Working with older adults -- Working with couples -- When a family members has a mental illness -- Getting unstuck in therapy -- Termination -- Family therapy in the future -- Screening instruments.

"This book focuses on students, a pragmatic approach to treatment, regard for multidisciplinary perspectives, and respect for the influence of families on clients. Chapter 1 identifies concerns that new therapists frequently have, such as building confidence in their clinical work. Chapters 2-6 follow the usual time sequence of therapy--from initial contact with clients, to comprehensive assessment, to treatment planning and intervention. Chapters 7-10 deal with specific clinical situations based on presenting problems and the nature of client families. We examine major issues and approaches for working with children and adolescents, older adults, couples, and families that are struggling with serious mental illness. Chapter 11 highlights some common obstacles all therapists encounter, and provides concrete ideas on how to get unstuck when treatment is not progressing. Chapter 12 focuses on an often overlooked part of therapy--termination. In Chapter 13, we conclude the book by looking at emerging issues within family therapy"-- Provided by publisher.