CONTEXTUAL FAMILY THERAPY:
Assessment and Intervention Procedures
PRACTITIONER'S RESOURCE SERIES

By
Peter Goldenthal

    In his foreword Dr. Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy writes "...the rich illustrative/clinical materials of this book provide a very useful contribution to the literature.  It is a helpful reading even for the reader who is familiar with the basic texts of the approach...[Dr. Goldenthal] has been able to grasp and distinguish the ethical dimension of relationship as a key therapeutic factor.  The illustrations from his practice will help the reader to see how many contextual principles may be applied in working with families in general and with children in particular."
    This unique and powerful integrative approach to the treatment of individuals, couples, and families brings together individual psychodynamic thinking and family systems formulations and concepts.  This book will help clinicians ask appropriate questions about fairness in family relationships.  Vignettes illustrating clinical interventions are included.  The flavor and richness of the complex and innovative approach developed by Boszormenyi-Nagy and his colleagues is ably captured by the author.

REVIEWS

"This practical guide to a complex and sophisticated therapeutic method is clear, straightforward, and not oversimplified.  The author, an experienced psychologist and family therapist, understands and appreciates the depth dimensions of contextual therapy, and has been able to explicate and elaborate the major procedural steps of assessment, treatment, and termination.  Several clinical vignettes vividly demonstrate how the therapist intervenes - the 'how to do it' of contextual therapy, especially with families of young children and adolescents."
     *Judith Grunebaum, LICSW, Executive Committee and Faculty, Couple and Family Center, Cambridge Hospital, Department of Psychiatry; Lecturer on Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School