Engaging Men in Couples Therapy

The premise of this book is that a crucial and overlooked reason for treatment failures in couples counseling may be the therapist's inability to respond to the needs and psychological issues particular to the male partner. Through illustrative, in-depth case studies, the reader will learn how to practice male-sensitive couples counseling while still using the theoretical model that guides their treatment; how to connect the emerging literature on conducting individual psychotherapy with men to working with men in a couples context; and how to work with populations of men who require specialized knowledge and sensitivity. This book is divided into three parts: Part I addresses the basic concepts in conducting male-sensitive counseling, incorporating the most current thinking regarding how to conduct gender-aware psychotherapy. Part II consists of contributions from couples therapists who work with specific models, such as Psychodynamic Couples Counseling; Adlerian Couples Counseling; Imago Relationship Therapy; Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy; and Integrated Behavioral Couples Therapy. Part III focuses on special issues, including infidelity, culturally-sensitive counseling, issues with sexuality, and veterans' issues.