The Adolescent in Family Therapy ─ Harnessing the Power of Relationships

Micucci (psychology, Chestnut Hill College) describes an approach to working with families with troubled adolescents, based on family systems theory and the concept of the symptomatic cycle. He begins with an overview of current knowledge on normal adolescent development, then outlines a general framework for assessing and treating families based on his approach, and applies the framework to examples and session transcripts to illustrate specific strategies for treating eating disorders, depression, anxiety disorders (new to this edition), psychotic disorders, defiance, and underachievement. There is also a chapter on working with families with limited financial resources and multiple problems. This second edition reflects changes in the field over the past 10 years, and contains new case material, with expanded coverage of attachment issues, lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth, and racial and ethnic identity. Readership includes graduate students, trainees, and therapists who work with families. The book can be used as a text for courses in family therapy, counseling, psychotherapy with adolescents, and social practice with adolescents and families. Annotation c2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)