Evaluating and Treating Families: A Guide to the Problem-Centered Systems Therapy of the Family

The second edition of Evaluating and Treating Families illustrates the McMaster model and Problem-Centered Systems Therapy of the Family (PCSTF) model, and reveals how clinicians can use these complementary frameworks to bridge the gap between family assessment and systemic therapy intervention.

Written by experts in these approaches, this book explores evidence-based family assessment and intervention techniques by examining the problem-focused approach and the ways in which this modality addresses the needs of families and individuals using strength-based, collaborative approaches to assessment, goal formulation, and treatment planning. Chapters examine the assessment of multidimensional family functioning in everyday life, treatment progression, intervention skills, framing concerns, and practical considerations for involving children in therapy. This new edition contains new illustrative case examples of diverse family structures, gender differences, neurodiversity, trauma, co-occurring medical conditions, and addiction. It also includes evidence-based interview protocols and family functioning questionnaires that can be quickly incorporated into systemic clinical practice and training across a wide range of disciplines including psychiatry, psychology, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, and social work.

This book serves as an essential resource for mental health students, professionals, and supervisors seeking training in the PCSTF approach, as well as those managing complex family therapy cases.