The Family Crucible: The Intense Experience of Family Therapy (Perennial Library) Paperback – October 3, 2017

Thank you to Dr. Napier and Dr.Whitaker for giving us a realistic and authentic glimpse into the complexity of family dynamics. This book was recommended to me by a therapist and it has provided me with knowledge and realistic expectations. They provide readers with an opportunity to understand and see what the therapist is writing on their notes behind the scenes. We all have complex family dynamics and Dr. Napier and Dr. Whitaker allow us all the opportunity to sit and reflect on the roles we play In every aspect of our lives. One of the most important and rewarding books I have ever read. Thank you Dr. Napier & Dr. Whitaker. I am no longer a scape goat and will continue to be a cycle breaker for generations to come.

I ordered this book for a Family Therapy course that I was taking as part of my Masters program. I thought that I would just read a chapter a week or so until I finished it. However, I was quite surprised that this book is more story like than textbook oriented. I really really got into the story (and learned a great deal about family therapy in the process). I ended up reading the book in its entirety in two days. I really enjoyed this book and have since developed an interest in family therapy. Additionally, this book isn't a tough read and doesn't require prior subject knowledge. I would recommend this to any counseling student or individual who has a personal interest in learning about the dynamics of family interaction. Great book, will look for more by this author!

as advertised; very prompt, and professional! no complaints.

Although written a generation (or two) should, it’s mostly timeless info. Some of the filler language/color commentary is out of date, as is some of the therapeutic tactics (pinning a child client to the floor over a transference/coubtertransference issue?!?!), but overall, every therapist in training would benefit from this entertaining and insightful read, and many, many families could give themselves a good dose of self-help in understanding psychological dynamics that play out in family systems. I highly recommend!

As a practicing Marriage and Family Therapist, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to my peers, and anyone interested in how family therapy works. Presented in the form of the narrated story of a family of five (accompanied by plenty of theory), this timeless volume provides a good high-level look at the family therapy techniques used by the likes of Napier and Whitaker. Interested in becoming a family therapist? Read it. Thinking about having your family attend therapy? Read it. Wondering about the benefits of family therapy over individual therapy? Read it. Are you part of a family? Read it. This is a seminal work, and should be required reading for all MFTs and anyone who treats families. It used to be, but has fallen out of fashion due to it's age. I don't care how old it is (and yes, it is a bit dated), the ideas presented are largely timeless. I just re-read it again this year (late 2016), and loved every page. 10/10. Seriously.

Nice

I'm a creative/ artist, an occasional councellor, and not a therapist, who just happens to like therapy session books and therapy-related tv or movies. I discovered this when following the trail of Edwin Friedman and Bowen family theories. I find the real-time dynamics detailed here quite fascinating, with a "deputy" therapist in the "scene", which I compare to director actor relationship management in theater or on film sets. I can only imagine, the amount of technical discipline demanded - as well as the weight of responsibility shouldered by the therapist-directors must be tremendous. Perhaps why this therapy type is not more popular, then or now.Very enlightening read, regardless. I gained valuable insights about multiple generation family dynamics. Recommended for the intellectually curious or those seeking some alternative perspective on complex family in crisis situations.

This fine book was recommended by a psychology professor of mine. Let me tell you, this book is beyond five stars! This is extremely fascinating, I could not put the book down! The way the author explains the fundamentals of family therapy is captivating. Alongside with the story of the family featured in the book, exhibiting their therapy break throughs is a compelling read. I recommend this book to anyone, those interested in family therapy, psychology, or even to those who are not.

Very informative and helpful! Felt like I was in the room with the therapists and the family. I would recommend for all therapists!

Excellent book. It reads like a story. The author has shared his person story and it is interesting to learn thru it. The examples and tips are easy and interesting.

Part of the curriculum for my psych course. Really enjoyed this book. People seeing me reading it have also mentioned how much they enjoyed it.

Just too goodGreat condition!!!!Love it !!!

Kept looking forward on the evolution of the relationship. Leaves one wondering how naively we handle family relationships, with so much of unconscious interplay. What I inherit is what I am left to grapple with and with skill this can be handled as ably demonstrated by Dr.Whitaker supported by Gus.