An integrative framework unifying family therapy theory, research, and practice

Divergent theoretical schools and expanding research make family and couple therapy difficult to learn coherently. Now in its Fourth Edition, Family Therapy: Concepts Process and Practice critically evaluates major schools and synthesizes their contributions into a distinctive integrative practice model. This single-authored volume draws together theory, technique, and empirical findings on therapeutic effectiveness into one structured approach.

Family Therapy organizes theoretical approaches by their focus on behaviour patterns, belief systems, and contextual factors, enabling structured comparative analysis. The integrative model is applied to common child-focused and adult-focused problems with detailed clinical guidance. Research on systemic therapy effectiveness is reviewed throughout, with implications for evidence-based practice clearly outlined for each problem area.

Readers will also find:

• Training exercises designed to develop the specific clinical skills required for applying the integrative model in therapy sessions
• Critical evaluation of systemic, structural, strategic, narrative, and other major theoretical schools informing contemporary couple and family practice
• Coverage aligned with postgraduate professional training programme curricula across multiple mental health disciplines and therapeutic orientations
• Guidance on incorporating culture, gender, and socioeconomic context into family and couple assessment and intervention planning decisions
• Outcome research reviews examining systemic interventions for psychological problems commonly encountered across the lifespan in clinical settings

Written for psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, social workers, and nurse therapists training in family and couple therapy, this volume also serves qualified practitioners and training programme directors. Its integrative framework reconciles competing theoretical models into a unified, evidence-informed approach to systemic clinical practice.

Alan Carr, PhD, is Professor of Clinical Psychology at University College Dublin and founding director of the UCD doctoral programme in clinical psychology. For over 30 years he maintained a couple and family therapy clinical practice at the Clanwilliam Institute, Dublin, treating individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. A member of the steering group for the UCD MSc in family therapy, he has produced over 25 volumes and 250 papers and presentations spanning family therapy, clinical psychology, and positive psychology.