Writing to the practicing clinician, this book offers a step-by-step practical guide to Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT) when working with individuals, couples, and families. Most therapists know sociocultural systems influence their clients’ lives, but few know how to connect the dots between what happens in the wider society, interpersonal neurobiology, relational processes, and client well-being. Written by a founder of SERT, Carmen Knudson-Martin draws on knowledge from multiple disciplines to innovatively weave together a practical step-by-step guide that demystifies the connections between micro and macro processes and relational/self-development. Divided into four parts, chapters cover how to conceptualize clinical issues through a socioemotional lens, the therapist’s role in assessment, goal-setting, and clinical decision-making, the “how-to” of each of the three phases of the SERT clinical sequence, and self of the therapist work and clinical research that inform the model. The clear writing style and detailed examples make complex social processes accessible, demonstrating how good practice is–and must be–equitable and socially responsible. This practical guide is essential reading for all mental health professionals, such as seasoned family therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and students in training in these fields.

* Fits COAMFT, COACRE, and CSWE requirements for social and cultural diversity * Addresses a cutting-edge question that spans across theory, training, and clinical practice: "How can practitioners integrate awareness of societal systems across models into their everyday work with individuals, couples and families?" * Applies a sociocultural perspective to a variety of evidence-based and historically effective practice models to address a plethora of emotional, psychological, and relational problems. * Bridges theory and practice * Authors are the leaders in the field of socioculturally attuned family therapy * New edition integrates current trends as well as cultural and societal change, such as the BLM movement, LGBTQ issues, and the Trump presidency. * Includes more diverse voices that describe the creative application of this framework in practice. This is presented using key text boxes throughout the text. * New edition includes how the authors have moved their thinking forward with regards to the framework, such as third-order thinking as a paradigm shift in the field of family therapy, ethics as infused in everyday practice from a third-order perspective, and the limits and applicability of Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy as a transtheoretical, transnational approach. * Includes reflective questions at the end of each chapter. * Includes a new chapter on socio-emotional relational therapy and how this relates to SCARFT Applies a sociocultural perspective to a variety of evidence-based and historically effective practice models to address a plethora of emotional, psychological and relational problems. Bridges theory and practice Authors are the leaders in the field of socioculturally attuned family therapy

Writing to the practicing clinician, this book offers a step-by-step practical guide to Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT) when working with individuals, couples, and families. Most therapists know sociocultural systems influence their clients’ lives, but few know how to connect the dots between what happens in the wider society, interpersonal neurobiology, relational processes, and client well-being. Written by a founder of SERT, Carmen Knudson-Martin draws on knowledge from multiple disciplines to innovatively weave together a practical step-by-step guide that demystifies the connections between micro and macro processes and relational/self-development. Divided into four parts, chapters cover how to conceptualize clinical issues through a socioemotional lens, the therapist’s role in assessment, goal-setting, and clinical decision-making, the “how-to” of each of the three phases of the SERT clinical sequence, and self of the therapist work and clinical research that inform the model. The clear writing style and detailed examples make complex social processes accessible, demonstrating how good practice is–and must be–equitable and socially responsible. This practical guide is essential reading for all mental health professionals, such as seasoned family therapists, counselors, psychologists, social workers, and students in training in these fields.

* Fits COAMFT, COACRE, and CSWE requirements for social and cultural diversity * Addresses a cutting-edge question that spans across theory, training, and clinical practice: "How can practitioners integrate awareness of societal systems across models into their everyday work with individuals, couples and families?" * Applies a sociocultural perspective to a variety of evidence-based and historically effective practice models to address a plethora of emotional, psychological, and relational problems. * Bridges theory and practice * Authors are the leaders in the field of socioculturally attuned family therapy * New edition integrates current trends as well as cultural and societal change, such as the BLM movement, LGBTQ issues, and the Trump presidency. * Includes more diverse voices that describe the creative application of this framework in practice. This is presented using key text boxes throughout the text. * New edition includes how the authors have moved their thinking forward with regards to the framework, such as third-order thinking as a paradigm shift in the field of family therapy, ethics as infused in everyday practice from a third-order perspective, and the limits and applicability of Socioculturally Attuned Family Therapy as a transtheoretical, transnational approach. * Includes reflective questions at the end of each chapter. * Includes a new chapter on socio-emotional relational therapy and how this relates to SCARFT Applies a sociocultural perspective to a variety of evidence-based and historically effective practice models to address a plethora of emotional, psychological and relational problems. Bridges theory and practice Authors are the leaders in the field of socioculturally attuned family therapy

This book examines the effects of sociocultural trauma throughout the 20th century on interpersonal and family relationships in five Eastern European countries, drawing on the perspectives of mental health practitioners. Chapters employ a systemic perspective to explore the unique social, political, and cultural contexts that influence relationships in each country with a particular focus on implications for psychological and relational well-being. The volume demonstrates the importance of examining the cultural and sociocontextual nuances and complexity that may influence the impact of historical events on relationships, elucidating similarities and differences among countries in how the collective trauma has influenced them. It assists family therapists and other mental health practitioners in recognizing cultural and social factors that may influence their work with families, individuals, or couples living in these countries or who have immigrated from them.Key areas of coverage include: Descriptions of each country’s experience of sociocultural trauma and the current social-cultural-economic-political contexts. Impact of trauma on interpersonal relationships across various social locations and national and ethnic identities within the existing borders. Current challenges, recommendations for clinical practice, and future directions for research and practice. Sociocultural Trauma and Well-Being in Eastern European Family Therapy is an essential resource for clinicians, therapists, and practitioners as well as researchers, professors, and graduate students in family studies, clinical psychology, and public health as well as all interrelated disciplines.

This path-breaking volume introduces Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy for clinical work with troubled couples. Practice-focused and engaging, it integrates real-world knowledge of the intersections of gender, culture, power, and identity in relationships with empirical findings on the neurobiology of attraction. Case examples detail the process of therapists in the moment as they develop both their clinical skills and their understanding of the social contexts fueling couples' difficulties. Applications of the method, which can be used with same-sex couples as well as heterosexual ones, are shown in addressing infidelity, tapping into partners' spirituality, and modeling and encouraging mutual respect and support. Among the topics covered: Undoing gendered power in heterosexual couple relationships. Interpersonal neurobiology, couples, and the societal context. How gender discourses hijack couple therapy-and how it can be avoided. How SERT therapists develop interventions that address the larger context. Building a circle of care in same-sex couple relationships. Couple therapy with adult survivors of child abuse: gender, power, and trust. Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy opens out practical new possibilities for marriage and family therapists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and counselors seeking ideas for more meaningful couples work.