As the average length of therapy shortens, clinicians need a resource to lead them step-by-step through the goals and process of the opening sessions of brief therapy as well as clear treatment maps for the most common presenting problems. This resource helps clinicians do just that and more, including doing a quick assessment and isolating and addressing the underlying emotional wounds that prevent families and couples from solving problems on their own. Readers will not only learn how to "think brief," they will also discover how to navigate the session process in an interactive and action-oriented way, even with clients who are in high-pressure, crisis situations.
1. The Landscape of Brief 2. Core Concepts 3. Treatment Maps for Common Couple Problems 4. Treatment Maps for Common Family Problems 5. First Session Goals 6. First Session Process 7. Second Session and Beyond 8. Couple and Family Therapy Techniques and Tools 9. Integrating the Brief Approach into Your Own Therapeutic Style
Biography
Robert Taibbi is a licensed clinical social worker with forty-plus years’ experience, primarily in community mental health working with couples and families as a clinician, supervisor, and clinical director. He is the author of nine books.
"Robert Taibbi authentically demonstrates his organic client-centered therapeutic stance in this new book, a tremendous asset for students and new clinicians. He very clearly explains essential tools and techniques of brief therapy using two powerful teaching methods: thoughtful clinical illustrations along with directions to navigate brief therapy. His work with clients is fast paced yet organized by rapid assessment and directed with a clear treatment map for each system. Another great book for my students."
Victoria A. Fitton, PhD, LMSW, ACSW, clinical associate professor, Ruth Koehler Endowed Professorship in Children Services, Michigan State University"Taibbi's writing will take you effortlessly, knowledgeably, and memorably through a series of lessons that cover the essence of what makes for the expert practice of brief therapy with couples and families in crisis—its defining features and how-to tools in seamlessly integrated theory, technique, and clinical illustrations. You will learn and enjoy doing so."
Harry J. Aponte, LCSW, LMFT, clinical associate professor, Drexel University, co-editor of The Person of the Therapist Training Model: Mastering the Use of Self"Startlingly simple, lucid, and wise, Taibbi’s book is a gift to all of us clinicians, experienced and beginners alike. Many of us are overwhelmed with the demands of treating clients in crisis with only a very limited number of sessions possible. Taibbi provides a step-by-step guide to doing highly efficient and effective work with this difficult population. I would make it mandatory for all graduate students. Perhaps, more importantly, I would urge even the most senior among us to read this book. I am definitely an ‘old dog’ and Taibbi taught me some ‘new tricks.’ Thank you, Robert."
David Treadway, PhD, author of Treating Couples Well: A Practical Guide to Collaborative Couples Therapy
