Now thoroughly revised, this practical, user-friendly guide has helped thousands of novice couple therapists and students to navigate the challenges of clinical work with couples in conflict. Robert Taibbi presents effective strategies for rapidly identifying a couple's core issues and conducting each stage of therapy, from the first sessions to termination. Rich with sensitive case material, the book features end-of-chapter exercises that help readers identify and develop their own strengths as practitioners. Appendices include reproducible client handouts that can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

New to This Edition

*Three chapters offering detailed treatment maps for common couple problems, with new case examples.

*Chapter on the middle stages of treatment.

*Increased attention to the all-important opening sessions.

*Sharper focus on the three major obstacles to couple success: poor communication, emotional wounds, and differing visions.

*Reproducible client handouts explaining key techniques.

See also the author's Doing Family Therapy, Fourth Edition: Craft and Creativity in Clinical Practice.