- Email: [email protected]
Marital therapy: A behavioral-communications approach
473
Book Reviews
Marital
Therapy:
A Behavioral-Communications
stein and M. T. Bornstein. softcover). This
book,
clearly
written
Pergamon
by scientist
Press,
Elmsford,
practitioners,
By P. H.
Approach. NY.
1986.
presents
$19.50
Born($10.95
a systematic
yet
flexible approach to marital therapy which integrates systems as well as behavioral and cognitive therapy techniques. In the first chapter, the authors provide a brief overview of the marriage and marital therapy literature and an excellent conceptual and empirical basis for the components of their behavioral-communications approach. This chapter focuses on the principles and research that represent the foundation integrates “softer” skills.
upon which their marital therapy model is based. The second these empirically derived principles into a useful discussion
aspects
of therapy,
including
the
therapist’s
interpersonal
and
chapter of the tactical
The chapters that follow guide the clinician through the stages of therapy, beginning with an excellent examination of the assessment of marital interaction in Chapter 3. In this chapter, the authors outline their approach to initial intake interviews and provide an overview of marital assessment strategies. Although they describe the full range of assessment devices from simple self-report measures to more sophisticated observational systems, those measures that are research validated, clinically useful, and practical in their administration are emphasized. Chapters 4-8 present specific therapy procedures including strategies for increasing couples’ positive exchanges, improving communication and problem-solving skills, and enhancing maintenance of therapeutic gains. Throughout these chapters, clear rationales, supportive data, and poignant and humorous case vignettes are provided to emphasize clinical points. In addition, the authors present “internal dialogues” that outline the logical train of thoughts and hypotheses that guide the therapists in session behavior. In the final chapter, the authors present three extended case examples which illustrate the importance of integrating assessment and treatment, and tailoring interventions to suit couples’ individual needs. While this guidebook may be interesting reading for all professionals working with couples, its brevity is both a shortcoming and an advantage. For beginning psychotherapists, it must be considered only a good introduction to couples therapy. It tends to provide a cursory discussion of some of the nuts and bolts of clinical practice. For example, the authors recommend the use of self-disclosure and “calling a spade a spade” therapy, but they do not elaborate on the appropriate content and timing of these approaches. In addition, insufficient attention seems to be paid to resistance, noncompliance, and treatment failures. These omissions, however, may be easily corrected through supplemental readings and clinical supervision. For experienced clinicians, this book is a concise, relatively up-todate, well organized, and entertaining review of a highly effective approach to marital intervention. Overall, I strongly recommend this practitioners’ guidebook. It is not only informative and coherent, but the authors’ warm and enthusiastic writing styles make it a pleasure to read. ESTHER Medical College of Pennsyluania Philadelphia, PA I912.9
DEBLINGER
Book Reviews
Marital
Therapy:
A Behavioral-Communications
stein and M. T. Bornstein. softcover). This
book,
clearly
written
Pergamon
by scientist
Press,
Elmsford,
practitioners,
By P. H.
Approach. NY.
1986.
presents
$19.50
Born($10.95
a systematic
yet
flexible approach to marital therapy which integrates systems as well as behavioral and cognitive therapy techniques. In the first chapter, the authors provide a brief overview of the marriage and marital therapy literature and an excellent conceptual and empirical basis for the components of their behavioral-communications approach. This chapter focuses on the principles and research that represent the foundation integrates “softer” skills.
upon which their marital therapy model is based. The second these empirically derived principles into a useful discussion
aspects
of therapy,
including
the
therapist’s
interpersonal
and
chapter of the tactical
The chapters that follow guide the clinician through the stages of therapy, beginning with an excellent examination of the assessment of marital interaction in Chapter 3. In this chapter, the authors outline their approach to initial intake interviews and provide an overview of marital assessment strategies. Although they describe the full range of assessment devices from simple self-report measures to more sophisticated observational systems, those measures that are research validated, clinically useful, and practical in their administration are emphasized. Chapters 4-8 present specific therapy procedures including strategies for increasing couples’ positive exchanges, improving communication and problem-solving skills, and enhancing maintenance of therapeutic gains. Throughout these chapters, clear rationales, supportive data, and poignant and humorous case vignettes are provided to emphasize clinical points. In addition, the authors present “internal dialogues” that outline the logical train of thoughts and hypotheses that guide the therapists in session behavior. In the final chapter, the authors present three extended case examples which illustrate the importance of integrating assessment and treatment, and tailoring interventions to suit couples’ individual needs. While this guidebook may be interesting reading for all professionals working with couples, its brevity is both a shortcoming and an advantage. For beginning psychotherapists, it must be considered only a good introduction to couples therapy. It tends to provide a cursory discussion of some of the nuts and bolts of clinical practice. For example, the authors recommend the use of self-disclosure and “calling a spade a spade” therapy, but they do not elaborate on the appropriate content and timing of these approaches. In addition, insufficient attention seems to be paid to resistance, noncompliance, and treatment failures. These omissions, however, may be easily corrected through supplemental readings and clinical supervision. For experienced clinicians, this book is a concise, relatively up-todate, well organized, and entertaining review of a highly effective approach to marital intervention. Overall, I strongly recommend this practitioners’ guidebook. It is not only informative and coherent, but the authors’ warm and enthusiastic writing styles make it a pleasure to read. ESTHER Medical College of Pennsyluania Philadelphia, PA I912.9
DEBLINGER