Helping a group close on a productive note is very important. Each client must understand precisely what he or she can expect of the group. Most groups develop agreements on starting times, closing times, approximate number of sessions, and ways homework assignments are developed. (Author)

Proposes Family Goal Recording as a systemic approach for measuring change in the presenting concerns of couples and families. Describes the procedures for using Family Goal Recording as an outcome measure for family therapy and a device to enhance goal attainment. In addition, the results of an initial study on the reliability and validity of…

Notes that, in last decade, theorists and practitioners have become increasingly optimistic about integrating various components of divergent schools of thought in the area of couples and family therapy. Familiarizes readers with cognitive therapy and proposes it as integrable component with other modalities of treatment when working with couples…

Systematic instruction in conflict management is an effective means for the group counselor to help couples resolve their conflicts and develop a support system for meaningful resolution of future conflict. With this appraoch group members help to develop new behaviors that enhance the intimacy of the marriage. (Author)

The lack of licensing laws in most states that would require minimal standards of training and experience for marriage and family therapists make necessary this monograph, which provides consumers with the necessary information to help them find family counseling services that are most appropriate for their needs. Several questions concerning the…

Notes that family life educators share same ethical concerns with other regulated mental health professionals, but practice of family life education is not guided by code of ethics. Discusses reasons for this absence. Considers unique practice issues created by educational model and group context in which services are delivered. Proposes…

Presents basic information concerning normal aging that therapists need to understand sources of conflict and distress in older or caregiving couples. Describes unique aspects of assessment and intervention with older couples. Examines marital satisfaction across life span, including factors that alter marital functioning, developmental tasks and…

Describes how family sculpting, grounded in Experiential Family Counseling, can be used as a training technique in marriage and family counselor training programs. Provides detailed guidelines for conducting family sculpting. A case study is included. (Author/NB)

This book, written for counselors and other mental health professionals, outlines the stresses and challenges dual career couples face, as well as plans for helping dual career couples learn negotiation, communicaiton, and conflict resolution skills. The book's 12 chapters are organized in 3 parts. Part 1 (chapters 1 to 4), reviews the literature…

An experienced therapist can be an effective witness in courtroom testimony. Unfortunately his expertise and objectivity are not always appreciated by the legal profession. Suggestions are given to help the therapist understand his rights and obligations as a professional witness. (JAC)

Presents a theoretical approach with some practical strategies for resolving marital and family conflicts. The steps are: owning one's position, understanding the other person's position, and resolving the conflict. The method serves as a model resulting in the development of more effective communicators and communication patterns. (Author/BEF)

Presents a discussion of the linguistic mechansim of nominalization. In identifying and challenging nominalizations, the counselor can help a couple clarify the present state of their relationship, where they are hurting, the desired state of their relationship, and the feeling and behavioral changes they want in their relationship. (Author)

In counseling groups, uncoupling partners learn to say their good-byes and accept the death of the marriage. They complete their unfinished business with each other. An organizational strategy is necessary. Skill in helping partners uncouple is a vital function of a marriage counselor, who must be proficient in group counseling. (Author)

Suggests goal development as an effective way to set the stage for change with couples in groups. It helps to clarify issues, opens channels of communication, change behaviors in desired directions, and evaluate that change. Spouses, group members, and counselors can benefit from goal-setting. (Author/BEF)

This guide is intended to familiarize therapists with the scope of marital difficulties and the range of techniques found useful in dealing with them. While it is tempting to think that proven techniques can be matched to specific marital problems, the literature cautions that predicting outcome in therapy research depends not only on the…