Shows how mental distress is often caused by relationship imbalance, not chemical imbalance. Diagnosis Human offers a compelling alternative to the biomedical model of mental health as it’s been promoted over the last 30 years--a model which says that mental distress is a problem of chemical imbalance, or brain chemistry. Promoted by the highly profitable Psychiatry/Pharmaceutical industrial complex, and followed by much of the broader psychotherapy community, biological psychiatry focuses on quantifying the “illness” by an almost exclusive focus on symptoms. In this model, symptoms are never good. They are always seen as a sign that something is wrong with that person, a sign of pathology that must be changed. People now have a name for what they “have” and receive a prescription for it. What may appear as intractable individual problems, however, often aren’t individual problems at all. This book reveals how many of these distressing emotional states are created by nearly invisible, intimate patterns in our relationships. Diagnosis: Human invites readers into the therapist’s office to be part of family therapy sessions, where they can experience practically first-hand what these intimate relationship patterns look and feel like. The authors present cases of adults dealing with depression, couples who come to therapy reeling from the betrayal of an affair, families with kids diagnosed with ADHD, teenagers with anxiety or young children with temper tantrums. Each therapy session includes the voice of the therapist, inviting readers to sit in as observers to watch and listen as the case unfolds, sometimes in dramatic fashion.

Family Therapy as an Alternative to Medication critically and passionately explores the concepts and practices that constitute the interface between family systems based psychotherapy and modern biological psychiatry. This diverse collection of essays, eight by psychiatrists, is neither for nor against medication, but takes a skeptical view of the unquestioned dominance that medication-based treatments have achieved among mental health practitioners. Its viewpoint is that therapeutic attention to context and relationships, regularly diminished when medications are prescribed, interferes with the development of psychiatric disorders, adds to maturity, and expands consciousness. Clinical examples, by both practitioners and patients, are used to define potential problems that arise from trying to combine a medical model with family systems work and also illustrate the decision-making processes and methods for applying family systems based therapies. This book will stimulate thoughtful conversation among students and practitioners of all mental health disciplines.

Defiance in the Family follows the treatment of childhood and adolescent defiance through therapy, from intake to termination. The authors take a unique view of defiance as an expression of a child's worry for a family that is not working properly and as the child's means of protecting the inner self in the face of family turmoil.

Family Therapy as an Alternative to Medication critically and passionately explores the concepts and practices that constitute the interface between family systems based psychotherapy and modern biological psychiatry. This diverse collection of essays, eight by psychiatrists, is neither for nor against medication, but takes a sceptical view of the unquestioned dominance that medication-based treatments have achieved among mental health practitioners. Its viewpoint is that therapeutic attention to context and relationships, regularly diminished when medications are prescribed, adds to maturity, expands consciousness, and impedes the development of psychiatric disorders. Clinical examples, by both practitioners and patients, are used to define potential problems that arise from trying to combine a medical model with family systems work and also illustrate the decision-making processes and methods for applying family systems based therapies. This book will stimulate thoughtful conversation among students and practitioners of all mental health disciplines.

Phoebe S. Prosky, MSW, studies under family therapy pioneer Nathan Ackerman, MD, and worked and taught at the Ackerman Institute of Family Therapy for fifteen years. She is Founder and Director of the Center for the Awareness of Pattern family therapy training center and clinic in Maine and has published numerous articles and chapters.

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Alienated, violent children and teenagers, desperate and worn-out parents: the destructive effects of unchecked defiant behavior are obvious. On a societal scale the problem of defiance is clearly reaching epidemic proportions, and punitive societal responses only seem to exacerbate the condition. In Defiance in the Family, however, the authors look closely at the constructive nature of defiance, its utility. They examine defiance as an expression of the child's worry for a family that is not working properly and as the child's means of protecting and preserving the inner self in the face of perceived threat. As such, defiance becomes a therapeutic opportunity and tool. With a firm clinical orientation and a wealth of case material, Keith, Connell, and Connell trace this symbolic experiential approach from initial contact and first interview to termination, including the three-generation consultation and strategies for implementation.

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The only resource specifically written for the emotional and spiritual recovery of the loved ones of people with heart disease: finding a "new normal" when change is the only constant. A handbook for dealing with hospital and medical staff, lifestyle changes, feelings, self-care, family issues, physical intimacy, and spiritual questions. The book interweaves practical information, support, and emotional guidance. The greatest challenge for heartmates is learning to live with uncertainty and coping with the unknown. The book, a companion for the family's journey with heart disease, supports letting go of what's been lost, developing new perspectives and patterns of action, and practicing self-care.