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I read this book because I'yard going to be pedagogy a family therapy grade where this is required reading. As I worked through the kickoff few chapters, I was struck by how unworkable the writer'southward approach was in whatsoever therapeutic setting I've ever worked in, then I flipped to the copyright date and realized it was written in 1978. Keeping that in mind was helpful as I went through the rest of the volume, but I found myself struggling with almost every aspect of the author's arroyo to therapy, includin I read this book considering I'm going to be teaching a family therapy course where this is required reading. Every bit I worked through the get-go few chapters, I was struck by how unworkable the author's approach was in any therapeutic setting I've ever worked in, so I flipped to the copyright date and realized it was written in 1978. Keeping that in heed was helpful as I went through the rest of the book, but I found myself struggling with nearly every aspect of the author's arroyo to therapy, including the tone taken with the patients, the handling of sessions, and some extremely odd things that happened, such as a therapist wrestling a 10 year old male child to the basis and then sitting on him. That seems like an excellent way to get sued and lose a therapy license in my book. As well, I found the writer to exist quite sexist, which may be appropriate for the fourth dimension, but was off-putting. He talked most admiring a xv yr old girl's breasts, and discussed wrinkles and the weight of the older women. He never mentioned any of these things about the men. All in all, I didn't think it was a helpful guide or depiction of existence a therapist. Here and there, I plant some helpful gems of wisdom that I felt continued to agree truthful, but more often than not, I felt the book was outdated and rather bizarre. ...more

This book was a lot more interesting than I initially thought it would be. I found myself really enjoying the process of family therapy from outset to finish. The parts that I didn't enjoy even so, and felt a little bit dull to me, was all the groundwork info and history of the psychology itself and the origins. I establish it a lot more than free flowing when reading the chapters that discussed the Brice family specifically. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who is interested in the field This book was a lot more interesting than I initially thought information technology would be. I found myself really enjoying the process of family therapy from start to finish. The parts that I didn't enjoy however, and felt a little bit dull to me, was all the background info and history of the psychology itself and the origins. I constitute it a lot more free flowing when reading the chapters that discussed the Brice family specifically. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who is interested in the field of psychology or has ever been involved in therapy themselves. ...more

Mar 09, 2011 Austin Miller rated it really liked information technology

The author did a great chore of taking a scholastic topic and illustrating it with artistic language and presenting it in such a way that is consumable by the boilerplate reader. I am a Psychology major so of course I loved the book: the insights into personal behavior and personality, the confounding furnishings of grouping interaction, and the well-placed intellectual side notes. It is well written and a fascinating read. If yous take the time, I tin can almost guarantee that you will acquire something about your The writer did a great task of taking a scholastic topic and illustrating it with creative language and presenting it in such a way that is consumable by the average reader. I am a Psychology major so of course I loved the book: the insights into personal behavior and personality, the confounding effects of group interaction, and the well-placed intellectual side notes. It is well written and a fascinating read. If you take the time, I tin most guarantee that you lot volition learn something almost yourself and/or your family. Hopefully (ideally), you will end beingness amend suited to take a salubrious relationship.

With that said, I don't completely hold with everything the authors say. Beingness family therapists, they arraign all negative design cycles on an individual's by family experiences, from their family of origin. This is a deterministic perspective considering it assumes that we cannot TRULY control our own beliefs. We are merely the result of our parents teaching us to comport in certain ways. Likewise, we cannot arraign our parents for raising us poorly considering they are the effect of their parents parenting, and so on and and then on.

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Nov 02, 2020 Debbie rated information technology actually liked it

I wanted to give this volume 5 stars, as it is a really piece of cake-to-read glimpse into how family therapy works, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it equally there are some items that are too outdated and inappropriate that should have been considered or addressed when information technology was reprinted in 2017. I do think information technology holds a lot of value and pulls back the drape on therapy for the layperson if someone is interested in seeing therapy from inside the therapist'southward heed. I wanted to give this volume 5 stars, every bit information technology is a really like shooting fish in a barrel-to-read glimpse into how family therapy works, but I just couldn't bring myself to do information technology as at that place are some items that are too outdated and inappropriate that should have been considered or addressed when information technology was reprinted in 2017. I do call up it holds a lot of value and pulls back the drapery on therapy for the layperson if someone is interested in seeing therapy from inside the therapist'due south mind. ...more

May 13, 2019 Bradley rated information technology really liked information technology

An heady wait into the wild due west of family therapy. Although it rests on speculative theoretical frameworks it is still interesting to see the effect the indicated therapeutic interventions can have. It would have been even more than interesting had the family written a volume on their experience but as a 1st person business relationship of the therapist's experience, information technology really is a fascinating and hopeful read. An heady look into the wild west of family therapy. Although information technology rests on speculative theoretical frameworks it is withal interesting to encounter the event the indicated therapeutic interventions tin have. Information technology would take been even more than interesting had the family unit written a volume on their experience but equally a 1st person account of the therapist's experience, it really is a fascinating and hopeful read. ...more than

Feb 05, 2019 chasemp rated it it was astonishing

Super interesting and impactful description of the why and what of Family oriented therapy. Systems benefit from being addressed as a functional whole.

Jun 03, 2015 Carter rated information technology liked it

I have to agree with my professor, this volume should be required reading for anyone thinking of working with families. Information technology is unique from other example studies in that it is told from the counselor's view. At that place are also capacity throughout that explain unlike aspects and theoretical information well-nigh working with families because it does nowadays a very different dynamic. And, most importantly, it shows that the counselors are human. They struggle with their ain emotions and counter-transference. I have to agree with my professor, this book should be required reading for anyone thinking of working with families. It is unique from other instance studies in that it is told from the counselor's view. There are also capacity throughout that explicate different aspects and theoretical data about working with families because it does present a very different dynamic. And, most importantly, it shows that the counselors are human. They struggle with their ain emotions and counter-transference. Sometimes they don't know what to say or if what they practice say was said at the proper time or in the proper context. That is even more significant when you lot consider these are professionals with years of experience. The family presented in the book is also a "typical" family unit with common problems, which makes the content more than widely applicable. I appreciated that throughout the text Napier takes breaks from the family unit sessions to go more in depth about specific problems, such as divorce or infidelity, and expand upon them from a clinical perspective.

The only describe back is this volume was written in the 1980's so it is a fleck outdated and the reader should exist cautious about some of the techniques used in the book. In some circumstances information technology is a "do not do as I practise, only larn from my case" scenario. If y'all are considering a career in the social sciences, especially family therapy, so read this book!

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Jan 28, 2014 Bister rated it it was amazing

The first thing I used to think when I heard the phrase "case study" was "snooze fest." In The Family Crucible, the story and information presented is anything simply sleepy. I never would have chosen this volume on my ain, only am certainly glad it was assigned for my couples and family counseling course this term. I was fatigued into the Brice family from the first folio and had difficulty putting the book downwardly. The knowledge and insights that Napier and Whitaker share about emotional distress and information technology's The first affair I used to call back when I heard the phrase "instance report" was "snooze fest." In The Family Crucible, the story and data presented is anything but sleepy. I never would have called this book on my own, but am certainly glad information technology was assigned for my couples and family counseling course this term. I was drawn into the Brice family unit from the first page and had difficulty putting the volume downwards. The knowledge and insights that Napier and Whitaker share about emotional distress and it's correlation with the family system is fascinating to say the least. I feel like a smarter person for reading this book. I definitely take a great understanding of myself, and experience as though I have a great understanding of humankind and family relations in full general. If you lot are interested in transgenerational patterns of behavior, or only a slap-up read, I highly recommend reading this book. I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could! ...more

Aug 27, 2018 Brandt rated it liked information technology

Notwithstanding thoroughly ideas and theory are presented, there is bound to exist questionable uncertainty about their efficacy in practice. No more does this problem present consistently than in the realm of psychotherapy. Withal, skepticism and incertitude may exist viewed as benign reactions to any assertion presented without significant and necessary research. Additionally, the issue of methods in research, and the intense inevitability of quantifiable metrics may outcome in either an over-mechanization or

Even so thoroughly ideas and theory are presented, there is bound to be questionable incertitude about their efficacy in practice. No more does this trouble present consistently than in the realm of psychotherapy. Nevertheless, skepticism and dubiousness may be viewed equally beneficial reactions to any assertion presented without meaning and necessary enquiry. Additionally, the issue of methods in research, and the intense inevitability of quantifiable metrics may effect in either an over-mechanization or an under-appreciation of the complexity involved inside the theoretical realm. Such is the case with this tremendously valuable text.

Originally published in 1977, the text is robust in experiential linguistic communication yet defective in quantitative verification. Regardless, the techniques and methods utilized and explained throughout the example of a family unit instance written report are richly humanistic and detailed exemplars of the complex quality of the therapeutic encounter. Whereas private therapy may exist appropriate for the person who wants to be comfortable with themselves, family therapy – as expressed throughout the text – serves the office of supporting the individual in learning to live with others. Hence, before a person tin can be fix for the psychological change required in individual therapy, they may first need to be unshackled from the controlling mechanism accentuated by the symbiotic family milieu.

In initially approaching this text, I volition readily acknowledge that I place a passionate emphasis on individuality and the liberty of pick. Notwithstanding this comportment, I remained open to the approach through which the experiential mental attitude to family unit counseling magnifies the position of the private in their lived earth. Whereas liberty (autonomy) and choice (responsibleness), in my stance, are extremely essential aspects of the counseling procedure, I detected that I may have overlooked the important function that the family unit serves in amalgam and sustaining the structures through which the individual has get themselves. Therefore, uncovering the construction, the tone, and the patterns involved in the family system, may be more significant than the resultant trouble presenting in the individual. This leads to an important question that, up until this point of my studies, I take neglected to enquire; viz., "are all private psychotherapy patients simply scapegoats of family stress" (Napier & Whitaker, 1988, p.55)? Mostly, I comprehend this text to exist an attempt at affirmatively answering this question.

In deliberating how the preceding question may be answered affirmatively, the text begins by clarifying the structures of the family systems theory and expands this understanding to a argument of the generative presentation of the bones disharmonize that,

Every family unit is a miniature society, a social society with its own rules, structure, leadership, language, style of living, zeitgeist. The hidden rules, the subtle nuances of language, the private rituals and the dances that define every family as a unique microculture may not be easy for an outsider to perceive at offset glance, merely they are there (Napier & Whitaker, 1988, p.79).

Consequently, in nearly every family, sure full general patterns emerge (ane) intrapersonal, interpersonal, and acute situational stress; (2) polarization and escalation; (iii) triangulation; (four) blaming; (five) diffusion of identity; and, (6) stasis. Each of these patterns is explained through the lens of the experiential approach to family therapy, and each of these general patterns supports the foundational query that the individual is the scapegoat for the family.

Ultimately, the therapeutic statement presented past the text culminates in identifying decisive moments when people's lives shift. Occasionally, these shifts are imperceptible by others simply represent substantial progress inside the individual. However, these shifts practice non originate from within an individual therapist, nor exercise they have a genesis from inside the family conceptualization. However, these influential shifts may best exist understood and experienced through the process of family therapy. For instance, when transformation happens (individual therapy), those exterior of the therapeutic human relationship may not be aware of the importance of the shift, nor may they be accepting of the accompanying change.

All the same, when this shift happens, in the presence of significant others (the family), it may be more easily recognized as function of the process of becoming and accepted as a pivotal breakthrough in the development of individuation. Additionally, there is a principal maxim of family therapy that farther supports the in a higher place assertions, "the family will effort to do to the therapist what they do to each other" (Napier & Whitaker, 1988, p.182). This means that the family system, whether unconsciously or unwittingly, will attempt to pull the therapist into their operational earth; "The pattern 1 knows is…the pattern one knows" (Napier & Whitaker, 1988, p. 222). Further, "One of the ways we try and resolve the issues that we inherit from our families is to repeat them when we grow upwards and form our own families" (Napier & Whitaker, 1988, p. 258).

Ultimately, for the interested reader, the interwoven account of therapy and technique reveals the complex, raw, and enigmatic side of humanity. The interposition of general theoretical discussions into the case narrative seamlessly flows together. Consequently, this text is one that I can feel comfortable in recommending to a broad array of people (not just therapists) and, at the same time, keep equally a professional reference.

Happy Reading!

References:

Napier, A.Y. & Whitaker, C. (2002). The family crucible. New York, NY: Quill.

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Feb 19, 2008 Connie rated it liked it

This is an excellent example study that starts off reading similar a completely normal, upper middle class suburban white family with plenty of money to spend on therapy only to find out that family therapy was expertly used to become at some very complicated dynamics that appear very normal and average.

Husband and wife don't accept sex and barely know each other, husband works too hard, wife is bored, teenagers are talking back and sneaking out. Seemed similar the life they chose to me. Merely, it wasn't the l

This is an splendid case report that starts off reading similar a completely normal, upper center class suburban white family with enough of money to spend on therapy just to find out that family therapy was expertly used to get at some very complicated dynamics that appear very normal and boilerplate.

Hubby and married woman don't accept sexual activity and barely know each other, married man works besides hard, wife is bored, teenagers are talking back and sneaking out. Seemed like the life they chose to me. Merely, it wasn't the life they wanted, and they each had to take responsibility to work at playing a different role to make a dissimilar dynamic.

This case study provides an example of an exquisite intervention.

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February xi, 2009 Courtney rated it actually liked it

This book gives a compilation of various family therapy experiences condensed into the drama of i hypothetical family, the Brices. The dialogue of their therapy sessions is realistic, at times humorous and heartbreaking all at once. I experience deep respect for the wisdom evident in the co-therapy team who is featured in this case. Both Dr. Napier and Whitaker teach viewpoints that can help anybody see life in a new perspective. The story would exist inspiring to whatsoever casual reader, but especially hateful This volume gives a compilation of various family therapy experiences condensed into the drama of one hypothetical family unit, the Brices. The dialogue of their therapy sessions is realistic, at times humorous and heartbreaking all at once. I feel deep respect for the wisdom evident in the co-therapy team who is featured in this example. Both Dr. Napier and Whitaker teach viewpoints that tin can help anybody see life in a new perspective. The story would be inspiring to whatever coincidental reader, merely especially meaningful to those who have a groundwork or interest in therapy of some kind (whether every bit clients, students, or counselors, etc.) The text ends with a great feeling of promise and optimism for the success of marriages and families everywhere. ...more than

October 24, 2014 Veronica Kim rated it really liked it

The textbook version of Carl Whitaker's experiential approach to therapy is evidently difficult to conceptualize and understand, but The Family unit Crucible brings it to life. Whitaker and Napier, surely criticized widely for their unconventional and seemingly insane techniques, seem to navigate through the roles of chaperone, leader, loony uncle, and wise friend effortlessly. The most notable quality of their approach is that information technology challenges traditional notions of the therapist-client relationship by The textbook version of Carl Whitaker's experiential arroyo to therapy is plain hard to conceptualize and understand, but The Family Crucible brings it to life. Whitaker and Napier, surely criticized widely for their anarchistic and seemingly insane techniques, seem to navigate through the roles of chaperone, leader, loony uncle, and wise friend effortlessly. The virtually notable quality of their approach is that information technology challenges traditional notions of the therapist-client relationship past humanizing the therapist to an admittedly uncomfortable degree and allowing the experience to be a mutually shared and giving one. The book itself was therapeutic to say the to the lowest degree; information technology'll change your perception of what it means to be a family and what it means to have a family unit "problem." ...more

Apr 29, 2014 Heather rated it liked information technology

I read this on the recommendation of my mom. I didn't know what to await, but I was delightfully surprised in that it presents family therapy in context of one family's experience in the process. The showtime ii/3 are a compelling read, but end of the volume gets a lilliputian technical which did non entreatment to me every bit much. Having grown up in a dysfunctional home (I admit that freely now) I saw patterns exposed that I recognized from my own home- "ii parents are emotionally estranged from each other, and i I read this on the recommendation of my mom. I didn't know what to expect, but I was delightfully surprised in that information technology presents family therapy in context of i family's feel in the process. The first ii/three are a compelling read, but end of the book gets a fiddling technical which did not appeal to me equally much. Having grown up in a dysfunctional home (I admit that freely now) I saw patterns exposed that I recognized from my own home- "2 parents are emotionally estranged from each other, and in their terrible aloneness they overinvolve their children in their emotional distress." It won't fix your problems, but might help your perspective. ...more than

January 17, 2016 Allison rated it actually liked it

I simply finished reading The Family Crucible for my matrimony and family therapy course this semester. This is ane of those books that shows y'all how much can get correct or wrong based on your family history. Information technology's a very good introduction to family therapy and has a helpful guide in the back of the book if yous have questions about family therapy. It besides does a wonderful job explaining how humans are social creatures and how much our social bonds can influence our behavior and personality. Highly reco I just finished reading The Family Crucible for my marriage and family therapy form this semester. This is one of those books that shows you how much can become correct or wrong based on your family history. Information technology'due south a very good introduction to family unit therapy and has a helpful guide in the dorsum of the book if you have questions most family therapy. It besides does a wonderful job explaining how humans are social creatures and how much our social bonds tin can influence our behavior and personality. Highly recommended for people interested in psychology and marriage and family therapy. ...more

Useful look at family therapy and an experiential approach, merely also weirdly lxx's in a style that feels almost anachronistic withal isn't. The author seems almost a smidge too in love with himself and the arroyo only you kind of forgive it because it feels like they've earned their odd paternalistic attitude and again, information technology's the 70s and psychiatrists nonetheless practice psychotherapy and fume during the session. Useful look at family unit therapy and an experiential approach, merely also weirdly 70's in a way that feels about anachronistic all the same isn't. The writer seems almost a smidge too in love with himself and the approach but you lot kind of forgive it because it feels like they've earned their odd paternalistic mental attitude and over again, it'southward the 70s and psychiatrists however do psychotherapy and smoke during the session. ...more

Dec 28, 2016 Andrea rated information technology it was amazing

Y'all don't get to hear virtually psychotherapy/analysis much anymore with the more than contempo models of therapy being so popular, but I am a bit of a traditionalist and very much appreciate the insights that are revealed through these experts in family psychotherapy. I understand more succinctly now, about the role our families of origin play out through our lives and how helpful information technology can be to acknowledge and bring to light those means- some more damaging than others. You don't go to hear about psychotherapy/assay much anymore with the more than recent models of therapy being so popular, but I am a chip of a traditionalist and very much appreciate the insights that are revealed through these experts in family psychotherapy. I understand more succinctly at present, nearly the office our families of origin play out through our lives and how helpful it can be to acknowledge and bring to light those ways- some more damaging than others. ...more

At times I questioned the appropriateness of the therapists' interventions, besides as their professionalism and sense of boundaries. The volume, nevertheless, is quite engrossing and at times, a page turner. August Napier goes a fiddling overboard sometimes with his use of metaphor. Every bit a counseling pupil, it was incredible to read about the transformation of a family'due south organization over a 2-yr menstruum. At times I questioned the appropriateness of the therapists' interventions, too as their professionalism and sense of boundaries. The book, nevertheless, is quite engrossing and at times, a page turner. August Napier goes a little overboard sometimes with his apply of metaphor. As a counseling student, it was incredible to read near the transformation of a family's organization over a ii-yr flow. ...more

Mar 22, 2013 Katie rated it liked it

Had to read this for school. It turned out to be a pretty practiced book. Information technology is a great example of experiential family therapy with a family. I was surprised how much I enjoyed since it was something for an consignment. For anyone interested in this subject area affair whether you are studying to be a family therapist or are just curious, this is a corking choice.

Vital reading for someone who married young and is now divorcing. Oy, if I had only known.

Aug 01, 2011 Kara rated it really liked it

Very easy to read and follow. I like Carl. And considering it was written 30 years ago, very timeless.

January xiii, 2013 Elise rated it it was ok

some of the info in this is and so good but it is mode as well cheesy and I constitute the therapists (or at to the lowest degree how he portrayed them) to exist incredibly irritating.

Jan 23, 2017 Joanne Gordon rated it it was amazing

Such an easy read for such a deep topic! They really take you into the room with the family

Mixed bag of practiced and unprofessional

When this book started out I thought information technology was going to exist an incredible resource for learning more almost family unit therapy and how to amend as a clinician. The first few capacity are captivating and energizing and I institute myself excited but also nervous to recollect if I would e'er be able to go to a place where I would feel I could be as direct as the writer and his co-therapist were with their client.

Every bit the book went on a number of questionable behaviors came upwards

Mixed bag of good and unprofessional

When this book started out I thought it was going to be an incredible resources for learning more about family therapy and how to improve as a clinician. The get-go few chapters are captivating and energizing and I establish myself excited just also nervous to think if I would ever be able to get to a place where I would feel I could be every bit direct every bit the writer and his co-therapist were with their client.

As the book went on a number of questionable behaviors came up and I grew increasingly concerned. The offset one is the writer makes note of the teenage daughter's "perfectly formed" breasts and acknowledges that he was staring at them. So we hear about concrete abuse by a parent and the mother giving the daughter a black heart. No mention of how inappropriate this is or the required steps to report this. Eventually we get to a concrete altercation between the therapist and the eleven year old boy where the therapist holds him down during a session and refuses to get off. The next chapter goes on to describe how this was a breakthrough moment.

By this point I was significantly less interested in the author'southward methods and only finished to see if there were any other universal tidbits that I felt I may want to incorporate into my practice.

Aside from the to a higher place - the writer and co-therapist follow Freud's modality and conventionalities in therapy and that does. It match my conventionalities in what is a adept way of working with clients. I do not concord with the thought that everything is a sexual relation to a female parent or a begetter.

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Jun 18, 2018 Vanessa rated it really liked it

This book illustrates major theory and concepts of family therapy through a compelling case study (and a couple shorter anecdotes). The book was accessible and quite a page turner. Definitely, the tone is, at times, patriarchal, patronizing, and arrogant. I also admire that they embraced controversy during its fourth dimension (1970s) by challenging the status quo thinking of diagnosing individuals with disorders while ignoring the context that creates behaviors. The systemic view was really revolutionary a This book illustrates major theory and concepts of family unit therapy through a compelling case report (and a couple shorter anecdotes). The book was attainable and quite a page turner. Definitely, the tone is, at times, patriarchal, patronizing, and big-headed. I likewise admire that they embraced controversy during its time (1970s) by challenging the status quo thinking of diagnosing individuals with disorders while ignoring the context that creates behaviors. The systemic view was actually revolutionary and if applied in practice, would assistance relieve suffering through the reorganization of the family structure or systems in which nosotros work and live. In other words, we would not come across so many cases of BDP or schizophrenia if the relationships in the family at cause of symptoms were addressed and healed. Overall, their work with the family is dynamic, exciting, and effective, even if at times "unprofessional," every bit they admit in their own words. They advocate keeping therapy an live process with adventure involved...there may exist less elbowroom to exercise some of what they did in this book in 2018, but the spirit of family therapy remains, which is to reinvent the story the family tells about itself and to disorient members away from focus on the identified patient onto their own role in the entire system. ...more

Jan 10, 2018 Jennifer rated it information technology was amazing

This might have been a 4.five stars in content (still HIGHLY regarded) simply I simply enjoyed how riveting, in depth and accessible this volume was that I had to crash-land it up.

This book follows one family unit's journey through family therapy from the perspective of ane of the family therapists. The level of detail, including the thought processes and emotional reactions (countertransference) of the therapists, and their pregnant/significance made it such an interesting and informative book for the developing the

This might have been a four.5 stars in content (still HIGHLY regarded) only I just enjoyed how riveting, in depth and accessible this book was that I had to crash-land it upwards.

This volume follows i family's journey through family unit therapy from the perspective of ane of the family therapists. The level of detail, including the thought processes and emotional reactions (countertransference) of the therapists, and their pregnant/significance made information technology such an interesting and informative book for the developing therapist. The writer also did an awesome job of explaining many aspects of their responses so the rationale for their approach was clear. Plus, information technology was compelling even just for the drama of wanting to know what happens next. It'southward the kind of book that made me want to livetweet my reactions through eerything. Overall, totally recommended for whatsoever therapist particularly for those considering working with families.

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Sep thirty, 2021 A. Housewife rated it really liked it

Great family unit drama, even so intensely relevant even though published in 1978. He mentions that he is more belittling than Carl Whitaker. Some of the intuitive moments he describes are astonishing and I'd dear to read more of those. That's the kind of thing you hope for in your therapist and it's a gift.
I love how the 2 of them work together, how he describes their rhythm and how co-therapists work in tandem. And their therapeutic goals and methodologies. You lot can really run into how working with an ind Great family drama, still intensely relevant even though published in 1978. He mentions that he is more belittling than Carl Whitaker. Some of the intuitive moments he describes are astonishing and I'd beloved to read more of those. That's the kind of thing you hope for in your therapist and information technology'south a gift.
I honey how the ii of them piece of work together, how he describes their rhythm and how co-therapists work in tandem. And their therapeutic goals and methodologies. You lot can really see how working with an private, peculiarly an adolescent, is not nearly as effective every bit working with the whole family. I honey how he elucidates how the family unit as a whole is subconsciously working together to (valiantly albeit somewhat ineffectively) bargain with their conflicts and proceed certain things from imploding. And how family unit therapy can help the family encounter what they are doing, see what they are afraid of against, and assistance shift into healthier patterns of communication and relationship. ...more

I read this for a child development grade in college and absolutely loved it. If you're looking to expand your understanding of others and open your mind to other people's reality rather than your simply own, then this is the best volume for you. Everyone's got their own shit going on and this book exemplifies how stressors in life can consequence those around the states if not communicated or dealt with in a salubrious way. It teaches you lot the benefit of putting yourself in others' shoes, rather than solely walking I read this for a child development class in higher and absolutely loved it. If you lot're looking to aggrandize your agreement of others and open your listen to other people's reality rather than your just ain, then this is the best volume for you. Everyone'southward got their own shit going on and this book exemplifies how stressors in life can event those around u.s. if not communicated or dealt with in a good for you way. It teaches you the benefit of putting yourself in others' shoes, rather than solely walking in your own. After reading this for class, we had to create our own web of stressors and relate the context of this volume to our own family life while using Bronfenbrenner's System. It was one of the nearly memorable projects I did in college. I would say I am biased in telling yous to read this book due to my child development small-scale, merely child development is relatable to anybody. Anyone tin can larn a lot and gain value from reading this book. 100% recommend. ...more than

There were some really great insights nigh family dynamics and scapegoating in here. Still, I found much of their approach to therapy problematic and overly Freudian and sexualized. There were psychodynamic interpretations offered that I found unnecessary and outlandish, and there were parent-kid relationships that were fabricated out to have a sexual or romantic component to them. There was also a seemingly pessimistic view of families every bit a unit and they seemed to push button their values into clients, In that location were some really not bad insights nigh family unit dynamics and scapegoating in here. Even so, I found much of their approach to therapy problematic and overly Freudian and sexualized. In that location were psychodynamic interpretations offered that I found unnecessary and outlandish, and at that place were parent-child relationships that were made out to have a sexual or romantic component to them. At that place was besides a seemingly pessimistic view of families as a unit and they seemed to push button their values into clients, placing undue blame and describing conflicts as "planned" in many cases. Additionally, the author fabricated sexual comments nearly their 15 twelvemonth one-time clients breasts which were horribly uncomfortable to read and very unethical. ...more

This review has been hidden considering it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. A very interesting look into intense family therapy as Whitaker utilizes unusual approaches in co-practicing psychotherapy. I'm not a huge fan of the approaches he uses as he makes a betoken to provoke anxiety past asking very pointed questions and enables disharmonize. I don't really see why it was consistently relevant to talk about the client's breasts within his book, like, this shouldn't be a meaning note within treatment. Anywho, interesting approaches, not my favorite therapist equally he seems to A very interesting look into intense family unit therapy as Whitaker utilizes unusual approaches in co-practicing psychotherapy. I'm non a huge fan of the approaches he uses equally he makes a point to provoke anxiety by request very pointed questions and enables conflict. I don't really see why information technology was consistently relevant to talk about the client'south breasts within his book, similar, this shouldn't be a significant note inside treatment. Anywho, interesting approaches, non my favorite therapist as he seems to have a more Gestalt approach to therapy and likewise has shown inappropriate misuse of terminology. ...more

December 05, 2019 Wade Fuqua rated it it was astonishing

This book is a must read for any therapist doing family work. The skill with which Napier and Whitaker are able to intervene in the family and work on multigenerational patterns is exceptional. I read this book when I was in graduate school, but I had and so lilliputian knowledge of (family) therapy at that signal in my life, that re-reading it now had a much greater touch on. From the day I started rereading it, I noticed changes in my own therapeutic practice.

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Is at that place any ameliorate feeling than groovy open a corking volume? How about starting a groovy book…about books? For the readers who love to read...

"By marrying to soon, many individuals sacrifice their chance to struggle through this purgatory of confinement and search toward a greater sense of self-conviction. They glance at the earth outside the family and with hardly a second thought grasp anxiously for a partner. In spousal relationship they seek a substitute for the security of the family unit of origin and an escape from aloneness. What they exercise not realize is that moving so quickly from ane family to some other, they brand it piece of cake to transfer to the new marriage all their difficult experiences in the family of origin. " — 36 likes

"Marriage is going to be that happy country in which nosotros get all of the nurturance and intendance and dear and empathy and fifty-fifty adept advice that we didn't receive from our families." — v likes

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Welcome dorsum. Just a moment while nosotros sign yous in to your Goodreads business relationship.

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Source: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17251.The_Family_Crucible

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