Family Therapy - An Overview (with InfoTrac) Description:

Family Therapy : An Overview (with InfoTrac) review:
3 stars (Family Therapy An (Humdrum) Overview) - This text is very dry reading. As a student, I had to force myself to read by promising myself rewards every ten pages (yes! I can go get a drink! Then ten more pages and then yes! I can call my mom!) And I am interested in the subject, and love to read. The information is good, detailed, etc. but the method is dry. In comparison, my counseling theories text was easy to read, informative, and interesting, and it didn't take self positive reinforcing to get me to read the whole thing.
5 stars (Fantastic Introduction to Family Therapy) - As a student of Family Therapy I am keenly aware of the need to have first-class resources that utilize proven techniques and that are theoretically sound. This text by the Goldenberg's, I have been told, is a veritable classic. I can see why. The book is very logical in its layout and construction, with the authors eschewing jargon and therapy-speak for clear, lucid, and cogent language. I have come to learn that there is a world of difference between individual therapy, and family therapy. The Goldenberg's make sure that this vital distinction is clear to the reader, and they do so without pedantry.I would recommend this book as a resource or as the primary text for any graduate level family therapy course. This book is so comprehensive that it can stand alone, or be used to supplement your studies.
4 stars (A classic text for intoduction to family therapy) - This is one of the oldest and most classic family therapy text. Many experienced counselors have benefited from previous editions of the book. I read it several years ago, and I am also the co-translator of the Chinese edition of this book (4th ed.). It took us a LOT of time in the translation process. Because the language is full of jargons and the sentences are very long. It's a bit difficult for non-English speaking people. However, it has some good points. First, it has almost everything a biginner needs to know about family therapy. Second, it includes updated information. For example, it now has a single chapter on cultural diversity and ethnicity, which is an important topic in this field. And the popular theories like narrative and solution-focused therapies are also included. One weakness is that many old and less-used approaches occupied much space only for their historical importance. Besides, some information on the chapter of research does not catch up with latest trends. Overall, I think it is suitable for introductory family therapy courses, especially at the undergraduate level. But I think it could have more clinical examples to more clearly depict the theories.