Family Therapy: Concepts & Methods (8th Edition)

"This book is thorough and informative. Gives very good descriptions of family and couples therapy theories and techniques. It is the right choice if you are trying to get familiar with this area. "
~ Written on 2008-06-19

"Nichols work, now in the 8th edition, is a seminal work in family therapy. This new edition, has some extra-features, which make it even more desireable than the 7th. It is more sympathetic to the postmodern therapies (solutions-focused, narrative), which I either practice or have been heavily influenced by. Nichols work is a great way to "break in" to this field as he survey the field, its developments, and various schools of thought. Better yet, he also includes a "recommended reading" list after each chapter of other seminal works in the field.

The danger of this book lies not with it or the author, but rather the student. Like all good survey books, contemporary master's level students often think they now can "go forth and heal" on this knowledge alone. One of my greatest gifts I received from seminary training was this: "Gents (we were all men), this class isn't the last word on this subject. This is the beginning of a life-long journey in this area."

Nichols book, when used in academia, is best seen in this light. Students need to know this is a secondary source which is to focus their reading of primary sources - you need to read Minuchin, Haley, White, de Shazer, Berg, Johnson, and Whitaker for yourselves!

As an introduction to the field, you will find none better."
~ Written on 2008-01-24