Handbook of Marital Therapy: A Positive Approach to Helping Troubled Relationships / Edition 1

by Robert P. Liberman, Eugene G. Wheeler, Louis A.J.M. de Visser, Julie Kuehnel, Timothy Kuehnel

Overview

In the treatment of marital problems, behaviorally oriented and com­ munication oriented approaches have been in conflict and seen as con­ trasting and unlikely bed partners. Many therapists, focusing on com­ munication skills, have felt that behaviorists were too structured and uncaring; on the other hand, behaviorists have considered humanistic therapists as being "touchy-feely," vague, and unfocused. However, in the Handbook of Marital Therapy, Liberman, Wheeler, de Visser, and the Kuehnels have wedded these two potent approaches into an integrated framework that makes them loving bed partners. With over a decade of experience in applying behaviorally ori­ ented treatment to couples, Liberman and his co-authors have developed an educational model that focuses on teaching specific communication skills to couples. The communication skills they describe have been used extensively in all types of marital therapy, regardless of the therapist's theoretical orientation. The unique contribution of this book is that the authors provide a step-by-step approach to teaching these communication skills within a behavioral framework. Each chapter guides the therapist through the many issues and problems confronting him or her as a change agent. This highly readable book is enhanced by a liberal use of case exam­ ples. Emphasis is given to homework and structured sessions that focus on increasing specific communication skills in a sequential manner. The advantages of working with couples in a group setting are discussed, and concrete suggestions on how to manage these groups are clearly presented.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780306402357
Publisher:	Springer US
Publication date:	10/31/1980
Series:	NATO Science Series B:
Edition description:	1980
Pages:	262
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.36(d)

Table of Contents

1 General Guidelines and Principles.- 2 Getting Started.- 3 Planning Recreational and Leisure Time.- 4 Communicating: Awareness of Reciprocity.- 5 Communicating: The Arts of Listening and Effectively Expressing Feelings.- 6 Giving and Getting: Marital Contracts.- 7 Ending.- 8 Solving Special Problems.- 9 Summary.- 10 Suggested Session Outlines for Marital Therapy.- Annotated Bibliography of Research on Behavioral Approaches to Marital Therapy.