Treating People In Families: An Integrative Framework (Guilford Family Therapy Series) - Hardcover

"If asked to choose one practice-focused text that captures both the rich past and vibrant future of MFT, it would be Bill Nichols' Treating People in Families. He offers one of the most compelling arguments for the integration of psyche and system that I have seen; and he does so with the warmth, wisdom, and wit of a master practitioner/theoretician. A tour de force of clinical scholarship!" --Douglas H. Sprenkle, Ph.D., Editor, Journal of Marital and Family Therapy "Nichols, with his usual clarity of conceptual thinking and of writing style, provides an excellent and comprehensive treatise in and on Treating People in Families. His pragmatic approach to doing therapy is enriched by decades of clinical, teaching and supervisory experience as a marital and family therapist, and his wisdom shines through on many pages. His integrative, non-dogmatic approach to the intrapsychic and interpersonal realms of behaving and being provides a welcome contrast to all of the purist approaches that attest to being the one and only true road to therapeutic efficacy or, at least, the best. His liberal sprinkling of case examples throughout enlivens the sound theoretical and clinical discussions. A tour de force!" --Florence Kaslow, Ph.D., ABPP ..".An impressive compilation, a winnowing of the experiences of many others' work, and an integration of diverse approaches and concepts. It is a wise and very experienced therapist's summation of what works. I find it accessible, logical, helpful; and I trust that others will also find in it valuable assistance in their efforts to help couples and families....The family therapy I learned early in my career was full of the dogma born of uncertainty; Nichols's approach to the therapy process is full of the flexibility inspired by confidence. The field has come a long way, and the rich lode of material that Nichols incorporates from the work of others is ample testimony to that growth." --From the Foreword by Augustus Y. Napier, Ph.D. "Dr. Nichols masterfully demonstrates the usefulness and compatibility of life cycle frameworks in the treatment of individuals, couples, and families at various life cycle stages and with various presenting problems. He uses well-written and succinct case examples liberally throughout the treatment portion of the text....For this alone, the book should be on every clinician's 'necessary reading' book list....I recommend this book....[It is] enjoyable to read and a practical resource for practicing clinicians at all levels of experience." --"Journal of Family Psychotherapy"

A compassionate and useful work for practitioners and students of family therapy, this book presents a treatment framework that is compatible with a wide variety of therapeutic techniques. Focusing on the development over time of the family life cycle--from marriages in formation to the "post-parental couple"--William C. Nichols explores the unique challenges and opportunities that each stage of family life presents. Enhanced by illuminating case studies and the author's own deeply personal insights, this lively volume covers the therapy relationship, assessment modalities, techniques of engagement, and termination.