Review of Comprehensive family therapy: An integration of systemic and psychodynamic treatment models

• Published in: Psychotherapy (Chicago, Ill.) Ill.), 1987-10, Vol.24 (3S), p.658-659
• Main Author: Freudenberger, Herbert J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Family Therapy; Human; Integrative Psychotherapy; Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
• ISSN: 0033-3204; 1939-1536
• DOI: 10.1037/h0085766

Reviews the book, Comprehensive Family Therapy: An Integration of Systemic and Psychodynamic Treatement Models by Diana Adile Kirschner and Sam Kirschner. This book developed from a theory evolved by Arthur Stein and has in turn been amplified by the Kirschners, who were his students. They present a comprehensive family therapy approach. The authors postulate that an integration approach utilizing psychodynamic, behavioral, and strategic-structural techniques is one that provides a continuity for a family in treatment. They present the concept of "intrapsychic and transactional components" each with its "own rules and properties and yet each defines the context for the other." Within this context, the authors present a chapter on the role of the therapist. The therapist as perceived within the theory of Comprehensive Family Therapy (CFT) is a transference object who may also act as a reparenting agent. One is impressed with the thoughtfulness of the theory presented. It is a theory that will be intellectually challenging to those practitioners who work within the framework of family therapy. Their "how-to" approach is clearly delineated. This book will most likely appeal to the experienced family practitioner. It is not a book that ought to be sought out by the beginning student because it may serve more to confuse the beginner than to amplify the theory presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)