First published in 1996. This books presents a problem-solving model of marriage and couples therapy called the Intersystem Model, which assesses and treats couples' problems from individual, interactional, and intergenerational perspectives. The authors address problems of commitment, intimacy, anger, and conflict, and the complexities relating to the treatment of depression: addictions and extramarital sexuality, marital adjustments to aging, and problems of inhibited sexual desire. They suggest techniques therapists can use to resolve problems that may occur in couples therapy and ways couple can move toward a higher level of functioning and personal growth.

Based on the authors' work at the prestigious PENN Council for Relationships (formerly the Marriage Council of Philadelphia), this book is their latest volume to focus on marriage and couples therapy using the Intersystem Model, which assesses and treats couples' problems from individual, interactional, and intergenerational perspectives. The book addresses the most common problems confronting contemporary marital relationship therapists: commitment, intimacy, anger, and conflict. The authors also address the complexities relating to the treatment of depression in conjoint therapy: addictions and extramarital sexuality, marital adjustments to life changes associated with aging, and problems of inhibited sexual desire, while including the often difficult task of instilling hope in the therapeutic process. In each chapter, the authors balance the theoretical and practical, providing the clinician with a solid conceptual background as well as effective techniques for resolving the problems that occur so often in couples therapy. And the book does not stop with problem resolution; it also suggests ways for couples to move toward a higher level of functioning and personal growth.