TREATING THE TROUBLED FAMILY

by Nathan W. Ackerman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1966

Dr. Ackerman, author of The Psychodynamics of Family Life (1958), sees psychotherapy today approaching a crisis, ""confronted by the broad avenue of pyschosocial influence,"" and needing to embrace relations of both inner and outer existence. From his experience he has written a thoughtful, insightful book about treating the family as a psychosocial entity. The therapist faces a cluster of interrelated processes of illness rather than a single patient who may be set forward as the sick one, and his treatment proceeds with this reality in mind. Dr. Ackerman discusses the break-down of healthy processes, the functions of the family therapist, the treatment of husband and wife, child- oriented intervention, rescuing the scapegoat, returning to reality (schizophrenia). In each instance he provides a verbatim record with a running interpretative commentary of an interview. Family therapy, today in its infancy, ""reveals the promise of becoming a potent therapeautic influence,"" and Dr. Ackerman's presentation is a valuable contribution to its growth. Of professional interest.

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1966

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Basic Books

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1966

Categories: NONFICTION