First published in 1988. This thought-provoking volume offers a constructive critical anal ysis of family therapy for its neglect of the self in the system, and provides a therapeutic approach to clinical problems that takes into account both individual and family dynamics. The author shows that by elevating the metaphor of the system to dogma, family therapy has lost sight of much of the richness and complicating influence of personal feeling, motivation, and conflict, resulting in a proliferation of esoteric, abstract theories and highly mechanistic, technical interventions. The Self in the System describes a different reality that is often overlooked: no matter how much their behavior is coordinated within the system, family members remain separate individuals with private hopes and ambitions, motives and expectations, quirks and foibles, and potentials for creative work. This book provides a unique approach that develops a better understanding of family members' individual experiences, and helps in enhancing their personal responsibility and ability to solve their own interactional problems within the family system. The approach, however, is not just another version of psychoanalytic family therapy, but rather one that utilizes the best tools of family therapy and the most useful ideas from individual psychology and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Chapters cover such important topics as finding the family and losing the self; the problem of change; working with interaction; the effective use of empathy; making assessments that include both the whole family system and the psychology of its members; interac tional psychodynamics; a practical guide to object relations theory; how to develop understanding; and working with resistance.

Each of us is controlled in some way by shame, one of the ugliest emotions in human experience. It saps our self-respect, builds walls between people, and forces us to create elaborate defenses to protect ourselves. This informative and practical analysis of the role of shame in our lives helps us to understand the root of our insecurity. Only by facing and coming to terms with our shame can we begin to resolve insecurities and become free to participate fully in life. Nichols discusses love and worth, the social sources of humiliation, the frustration of adolescence, and positive parenting, among other important topics, in this wonderful combination of clinical sophistication, common sense, and humanity

First published in 1988. This thought-provoking volume offers a constructive critical anal ysis of family therapy for its neglect of the self in the system, and provides a therapeutic approach to clinical problems that takes into account both individual and family dynamics. The author shows that by elevating the metaphor of the system to dogma, family therapy has lost sight of much of the richness and complicating influence of personal feeling, motivation, and conflict, resulting in a proliferation of esoteric, abstract theories and highly mechanistic, technical interventions. The Self in the System describes a different reality that is often overlooked: no matter how much their behavior is coordinated within the system, family members remain separate individuals with private hopes and ambitions, motives and expectations, quirks and foibles, and potentials for creative work. This book provides a unique approach that develops a better understanding of family members' individual experiences, and helps in enhancing their personal responsibility and ability to solve their own interactional problems within the family system. The approach, however, is not just another version of psychoanalytic family therapy, but rather one that utilizes the best tools of family therapy and the most useful ideas from individual psychology and psychodynamic psychotherapy. Chapters cover such important topics as finding the family and losing the self; the problem of change; working with interaction; the effective use of empathy; making assessments that include both the whole family system and the psychology of its members; interac tional psychodynamics; a practical guide to object relations theory; how to develop understanding; and working with resistance.

"That isn't what I meant!" Truly listening and being heard is far from simple, even between people who care about each other. This perennial bestseller--now revised and updated for the digital age--analyzes how any conversation can go off the rails and provides essential skills for building mutual understanding. Thoughtful, witty, and empathic, the book is filled with vivid stories of couples, coworkers, friends, and family working through tough emotions and navigating differences of all kinds. Learn ways you can: *Hear what people mean, not just what they say. *Share a difference of opinion without sounding dismissive. *Encourage uncommunicative people to open up. *Make sure both sides get heard in heated discussions. *Get through to someone who never seems to listen. *Ask for support without getting unwanted advice. *Reduce miscommunication in texts and online. From renowned therapist Michael P. Nichols and new coauthor Martha B. Straus, the third edition reflects the huge impact of technology and social media on relationships, and gives advice for talking to loved ones across social and political divides

Family Therapy: Concepts & Methods is THE definitive classic text in the field of Family Therapy. This comprehensive examination of all the major schools and developments in family therapy gives students a thorough grounding in the profession. Numerous case studies throughout help students understand the link between history, theory, and practice.

"That isn't what I meant!" Truly listening and being heard is far from simple, even between people who care about each other. This perennial bestseller--now revised and updated for the digital age--analyzes how any conversation can go off the rails and provides essential skills for building mutual understanding. Thoughtful, witty, and empathic, the book is filled with vivid stories of couples, coworkers, friends, and family working through tough emotions and navigating differences of all kinds. Learn ways you can: *Hear what people mean, not just what they say. *Share a difference of opinion without sounding dismissive. *Encourage uncommunicative people to open up. *Make sure both sides get heard in heated discussions. *Get through to someone who never seems to listen. *Ask for support without getting unwanted advice. *Reduce miscommunication in texts and online. From renowned therapist Michael P. Nichols and new coauthor Martha B. Straus, the third edition reflects the huge impact of technology and social media on relationships, and gives advice for talking to loved ones across social and political divides

For parents fed up with constant challenges to their authority-but who dread becoming tyrants in their own homes-this book provides a powerful new alternative to because I said so. Trusted family therapist and author Michael P. Nichols takes on the number-one problem of parents today with the insight and humor that has made his earlier The Lost Art of Listening an enduring bestseller. Presented is a simple, easy-to-follow, yet remarkably effective way to put an end to arguments by refusing to argue back. Instead, the techniques of responsive listening help parents open up better communication in the family; create an atmosphere of respect and cooperation; and take children's feelings into account-without giving in to their demands. Loads of realistic examples help parents defuse whining and defiance and manage common conflicts with preschoolers to teens.