Sourcebook of Marriage and Family Evaluation

This volume clarifies the rationale for assessment of marital and family systems, reviews a wide range of assessment instruments and observational procedures, discusses the utility of specific approaches in various clinical situations, and explains how to select appropriate instruments. The philosophy underlying the book is that marital and family therapy must be grounded in a clear understanding of how dysfunctional interaction patterns evolve and what purpose they serve. The authors emphasize the importance of systematic evaluation in understanding marital and family dynamics, the role of intervention, and the therapeutic relationship. The final chapter addresses professional, ethical, and practical issues in marital and family therapy.