1. Reviews
Independent Comment on Audio-Visual and Print Materials
101 Healing Stories for lives, including technology, in order to join of family theories and creates some big
waves. There have been few family therapy
them at a personal level and to incorporate
Kids and Teens: Using text books which so immediately ‘reach’ me
these elements into our metaphors and thera-
as this one. Is it because Johnson and
peutic storytelling. He recommends that
Metaphors in Therapy. Whiffen combine thinking about the indi-
therapeutic stories are more impactful and
vidual and her emotional experience with
effective if they are congruent with a child’s
George W. Burns. Hoboken, NJ,
attention to interactions within relation-
age, development, gender and cultural
John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2005.
ships? Is it due to each chapter being packed
context. He also cautions against magical
with relevant clinical examples, with a
Soft. Pp. 293. ISBN 0-471-47167-4. $74.95. endings or fantastic outcomes that take place
strong eye to the theoretical links? Yes to
outside of the subject’s problem-solving skills
In this sequel to 101 Healing Stories, Burns both! However, I suspect as much as these
or competencies and hence are based on
expresses the hope that his books will teach achievements, it is the genuine authentic
‘false hope’, which does not empower the lis-
new therapists how to construct and apply ‘voice’ of the text which appeals to me. It
tener. He similarly urges practitioners to
metaphors in their work and will assist expe- manages to speak of the suffering of the
avoid ‘negative outcome stories’.
rienced practitioners to locate stories in their human condition without theoretical obfus-
101 Healing Stories For Kids and Teens is
work and to enhance their skills. He offers cation. The editors define attachment
a ‘how to’ book more suited to the begin-
the suggestion that parents and carers can also theory as
ning therapist/counsellor dealing with
use stories and metaphors in teaching values
individual children, than to the family ther- a systemic theory that focuses on behav-
to children, and in developing personal and
apist working with the whole familial unit iour in context and patterns of
relationship competencies and accountability.
or those already acquainted with Milton communication … [which] can also
Burns suggests that metaphors involve both
Erickson and others. While it is useful and been seen as an individual dynamic
art and skill and are ‘purposefully designed
well presented, its attempt to talk to an theory, one that focuses on internal
symbolic communications’ applied to ‘spe-
American as well as Australian audience working models and ways of perceiving
cific healing and therapeutic intentions’ and others (9).
lessens its potency, and seems to be at odds
states that his aims are to ‘teach and to heal’
with the author’s urging to write stories
This is one of the major contributions of AT;
through stories.
which are culturally and contextually spe- a model of human behaviour which concep-
The author seems to talk with and to
cific and congruent. tualises what goes on within people whilst
teach his readers through an indirect story-
Perhaps some of the challenge facing being linked to what goes on between people.
telling manner, and in this might be seen as
Burns is the tension between his ‘teaching’ In the first section of Attachment
replicating the metaphoric style in the
of the core elements of metaphor construc- Processes, we are given an introduction to
content and process of his subject matter.
tion, and encouragement of others to the dynamics of attachment relationships.
He tells a large number of stories, each of
construct and apply their own stories. He This is followed by a description of the
which addresses a specific problem through
provides so many therapeutic stories that nature of couple and family relationships,
identifying the resources the subject charac-
some readers may rely on his 101, rather from cradle to grave. Subsequent chapters
ter needs to develop or rediscover, and
than create their own and further expand concern infants, adolescence, culture, same-
identifying the outcomes achieved. More
their skills. 101 Healing Stories for Kids, nev- sex couples, fostering, chronic pain, child
experienced practitioners might find the
ertheless, is a helpful guide to those looking sexual abuse and depression; all from within
number of exemplar metaphors to be some-
to develop an understanding of metaphor in an attachment-theory framework. Each
what excessive, inhibiting their individual
therapy applications, and skills in locating chapter begins with a review of the concepts
impact. These stories can blur if read one
or constructing them. of AT which pertain to the theme being
after the other, without some time or space
Keith E. Sedgman examined. The reader is then led through
between them so as to allow the ideas to
Sedgman & Associates Counselling an explanation of characteristic interper-
seed and grow.
Services, Brisbane sonal patterns and how these can be
Burns makes the reasonable point that
understood by considering different attach-
stories and metaphors are available through
ment styles and patterns of interaction.
films, TV, advertisements, MTV videos and
Attachment Processes What I found impressive and illuminating
other media, and that these provide access
in Couple and was the discussion of theoretical proposi-
to and insight into our children and teens
tions alongside relevant research findings.
and valid avenues to converse with them.
Family Therapy. The research outcomes are then linked with
He believes in the importance of stories as
case examples.
conduits of personal and societal communi-
Susan Johnson and Valerie Whiffen John Bowlby is the architect of AT.
cation, and was a personal investment in
(Eds), NY, 2003. Johnson and Whiffen suggest that his 1944
giving all a voice to maintain communica-
paper ‘Forty-Four Juvenile Thieves: Their
tion, which celebrates the place of Hard cover. pp.410. ISBN: 0 898627 303.
Characters and Home Life’ is one of the
storytelling as part of cultural and relation- US $42.00.
first family therapy articles. Curious to
ship currency.
Johnson and Whiffen’s Attachment Processes think now that it was published in the
Burns is specific in urging therapists to
keep abreast of aspects of our young client’s puts attachment theory (AT) into the pool International Journal of Psychoanalysis.
111
ANZJFT Volume 26 Number 2 2005 pp. 111–116

2. Reviews
Bowlby’s observations on both animal pital professionals, maternal and child health
constructions. We do need to understand
the impact of the mother/primary caregiver nurses, mental health clinicians. That is to
behaviours and human attachments led to
on the infant’s emotional development. This say, it’s a book for just about anyone who
his seminal three-volume work; Attachment
‘first couple’ has been relatively slow in being works with the suffering of the human con-
(1969), Separation (1973) and Loss (1980).
a central determinant to family relationship dition — the infants, the elderly, and just
These ideas, which became the foundations
formation. In Attachment Processes, this about everyone in between.
of AT, were initially taken up by develop-
omission is addressed.
mental researchers. Family therapy
Some chapters incorporate other practi- References
practitioners and theorists did not do so
tioners’ work, such as Herrman’s 1992 work
until the late 1980s. Bowlby stated that Bretherton, I., 1991. The Roots and Growing
with trauma. The chapter ‘Attachment-Based
‘seeking and maintaining contact with sig- Points of Attachment Theory. In C.
Family Therapy for Depressed Adolescents’
nificant others is an innate, primary Parkes, J. Stevenson-Hide & P. Marris
demonstrates ways family members can
motivating principle in human beings across (Eds), Attachment Across the Life Cycle,
repair relationship damage. Using the
the lifespan’. He identified that dependency London, Tavistock/Routledge.
concept of forgiveness, the authors draw par-
has become pathologised by our culture. Bowlby, J., 1944, Forty-four Juvenile Thieves:
allels between the attachment repair task and
Dependency, Bowlby argued, is an innate Their Character and Home Life,
models of trauma recovery. The research on
part of being human rather than a child- International Journal of Psychoanalysis, 25:
forgiveness is interwoven closely with a case 19–52, 107–127.
hood trait that we outgrow (1988: 5). The
example of a mother apologising to a dis-
authors of Attachment Processes therefore Bowlby, J., 1969. Attachment and Loss. Vol 1.
tressed daughter. This is different from other
restate Mackay’s (1996) observation that Attachment, NY, Basic.
family work models in that it places the ther-
family therapy has tended to focus on the Bowlby, J., 1973. Attachment and Loss, Vol 11.
apist as a central investigator, mediator,
analysis of power and control whilst nurtu- Separation: Anxiety and Anger, NY, Basic.
translator and interpreter of family relation-
rance has been overlooked. Bowlby, J., 1980. Attachment and Loss. Vol
ships and someone who structures
Subsequently researchers have begun to 111. Loss: Sadness and Depression. NY,
intervention to achieve a particular desired
explore changes in emotional security during Basic.
outcome. Of course this is what many thera-
life-cycle changes. A secure attachment Bowlby, J., 1988. A Secure Base, NY, Basic.
pists do, with or without family members
implies that there is a secure base from Chodorow, N., 1989. Feminism and
present. The authors describe a staged model
which individuals can explore their world; Psychoanalytic Theory, New Haven, CT,
of therapy informed by attachment theory;
this is done by relationship interdependency, Yale University Press.
mother and daughter have individual ses-
not separation. Felt security is ‘new’ lan- Clulow, C. (Ed.), 2001. Adult Attachment and
sions with the therapist, and then joint
guage in family therapy, especially if we Couple Psychotherapy, Hove, East Sussex,
sessions leading the mother into a dialogue
think of it as being closely related to past Brunner-Routledge.
which facilitates repair. The chapter articu-
events, conscious and unconscious processes Ernst, S., 1987. Living with the Sphinx,
lates how the therapist offers herself as the
and attributed meanings. AT explains that London, The Women’s Press.
‘secure base’ for therapy to be successful.
proximity to significant caregivers is the way Herrman, J., 1992. Trauma and Recovery: From
Therapeutic neutrality, it seems, has been
humans manage strong feelings of fear and Domestic Abuse to Political Terror, London,
given a fresh challenge.
anxiety. If we feel close to our attachment Pandora/HarperCollins.
If there is a criticism, it is that the psy-
figures we are more able to manage strong Hoffman, L., 1981. Foundations of Family
choanalytic roots of AT are not adequately
feelings, if they are inaccessible we can feel Therapy, NY, Basic.
acknowledged, as they are in Clulow (2001).
distressed. Bowlby viewed emotional distress Mackay S. K., 1996. Nurturance: A Neglected
In Bowlby’s first volume of his seminal work
in close relationships as often being an Dimension in Family Therapy with
Attachment (1958), he wrote
attempt to make contact with an inaccessible Adolescents, Journal of Marital and Family
Therapy, 22: 489–508, (quoted in
attachment figure. … as my study of (attachment) theory
Johnson, S. & Whiffen, V. E., Family
Some of the older shibboleths of family progressed it was gradually borne in
Processes).
therapy have been questioned by AT. For upon me that the field I had set to
Sarah Jones
example, Hoffman in her seminal book plough so lightheartedly was no less
Melbourne
than the one that Freud had started
Foundations of Family Therapy argues ‘dyadic
tilling sixty years earlier, and that it con-
transactions seldom occur; interaction is
tained all those same rocky excrescences
either triadic or group’ (73). AT challenges
An Introduction
and thorny entanglements that he had
this with some very powerful research. The
encountered and grappled with — love
to Marriage and
chapter ‘The First Couple’ refers to the
and hate and anxiety and defence,
mother and her infant. The infant symp-
Family Therapy.
attachment and loss (Preface, xi).
toms, such as feeding, sleeping, and
behavioural regulation difficulties, while not Johnson and Whiffen do not however explore
Lorna L. Hecker and Joseph L.
apparently relational, ‘commonly reflect diffi- how Bowlby and Freud tilled the same soil,
Wetchler (Eds). NY, Haworth,
culties in the relationship between the nor how this has been subsumed by later
2003. pp. 625.
mother and her infant’ (216). This state- developments and applications of AT.
ment may sound a challenge to feminist Here is a text in which one can taste or Paperback. ISBN 0-7890-0276-0. US $46.95.
therapists. However psychoanalytic feminists one can feast. This is just the book that
such as Nancy Chodorow and Sheila Ernst The blurb includes the statements ‘easily
could reach the whole array of family and
et al. have developed a body of work explor- takes the place of five or six other resources
couple therapists, parent–infant therapists,
case managers, family support workers, hos- on my bookshelf’ and ‘what an amazing col-
ing and examining similar observations and
112 ANZJFT June 2005

3. Reviews
lection of knowledge … this book does research with Carr (2001) and Nichols and Stern (2004) has called the ‘present moment’
exactly what an introductory text should do’. Schwartz (2004), using the criteria men- in psychotherapy.
Reading this, my interest rose, as I am tioned in the opening paragraph. The In my view, Fisher writes clearly yet elo-
always on the lookout for introductory history and schools chapters in both Carr quently about how to facilitate therapy
material for students which is readable, com- and Nichols and Schwartz met the criteria sessions so that couples experience a signifi-
prehensive and succinct, compares ideas, whereas those in this book met few. For cant and transformative encounter in the
situates these in context and includes cri- example, concepts were not situated in the present moment of therapy — an experien-
tique. A big ask, one might say, but not evolutionary history of family therapy and tial encounter that can act as a reference
impossible. there was no comparative analysis or critique point for ongoing change/difference in the
The book comprises two parts with and, in the history chapter, there was ele- relationship. Fisher articulates his approach
numerous chapters within each. Part 1 is mentary material left out. However, the in a very ‘how to’ and user-friendly format.
entitled ‘Theories in Marriage and Family research chapter in this book is well-written It is laced with examples and snippets of
Therapy’ and includes the obligatory history, and comprehensive, highlighting dilemmas, couple therapy transcripts. His work is
systems theory and cybernetics chapters and examining alternative methodologies and underpinned by principles of nonviolence
various chapters on different schools of reporting the current status of research. It and mindfulness. It challenges both therapist
family therapy. Part 2 looks at special issues compared favourably to that in Nichols and and clients to achieve and work in a reflec-
in marriage (sic) and family therapy. This Schwartz and was far more comprehensive tive and self-aware space This space involves
section covers a range of subjects and than that in Carr. Such a comparison is a working at a different level and pace than
includes chapters on marriage enrichment rough road test but one, nevertheless, which that required by ordinary conversational
and premarital counselling; sexual dysfunc- doesn’t encourage me to substitute this book consciousness or problem solving.
tion and sex therapy; gender, culture and for other texts already on my shelf. Nichols (1987) wrote about the
spirituality; and ethical, legal and profes- dilemma of how to pay attention not only to
sional issues. References the relationship and wider systems, but also
Each chapter is written by a different to the individual when working with rela-
Carr, A., 2001. Family Therapy: Concepts,
author who has obviously followed a tem- tionships. Fisher provides a way of achieving
Process and Practice, Chichester, Wiley.
plate, a wise idea given there are 20 authors both/and in terms of honouring the intra-
Nichols, M. P. & Schwartz, R. C., 2004.
involved. However, despite this, quality varies psychic and interpersonal arenas of couple
Family Therapy: Concepts and Methods (6th
substantially, with some chapters providing edn.), Boston, Pearson. experience. Another integration that Fisher’s
material which is clear, succinct and compre- approach achieves is one between experience
Chris Hunt
hensive, and others providing good examples and meaning making. In this way Fisher is
Lecturer, School of Medicine, University of
of how not to write. With so many authors able to incorporate postmodern influences
Queensland, private practice, Brisbane
involved, this book does not develop the sense and have them sit alongside key psychody-
of flow and comparative analysis that emerges namic relationship concepts.
Experiential
in texts written by one or two authors. In the approach advocated in this text,
The book is firmly aimed at the US
Psychotherapy with Fisher sees the role of the couples therapist
market; for example, the editors provide a as a cheerleader to the unfolding of self and
Couples — A Guide for
list of US graduate programs in family and experience in the moment by managing
marriage therapy, and include the AAMFT consciousness, tracking and contacting expe-
the Creative Pragmatist.
Code of Ethics; authors use US-specific rience and the information that it provides.
case-examples. Although this may make the He is careful in his approach to strive for
Rob Fisher. Phoenix,AZ, Zeig,Tucker
text valuable for students in the United learning from direct experience rather than
& Theisen, 2002.
States, it’s a detraction for overseas readers. attempting to achieve a curative experience
Moreover, the history chapter makes barely a Paperback. pp. 265. ISBN 1-891944-97-5 from catharsis itself. The book clearly sets
nod to influences outside US borders. (Alk. Paper). US $44.95. out the principles and underlying philoso-
Having said this, I should note there are
phies that underpin the experiential
In September last year the 25th Australian
inconsistent attempts to include interna-
approach and then describes the macro and
Family Therapy Conference in Brisbane had
tional material (e.g. in a list of family
micro processes involved in experiential
as its theme ‘Getting it Together: Family
therapy journals, the ANZJFT gets a
couple work. Fisher and his approach to
Therapy Practice for the Future’. The stated
mention but the JFT does not) and the
couples counseling challenges the couples
aim of the conference was to make a contri-
description of narrative therapy and its
therapist to be able to:
bution towards integration by bringing
genesis is definitely idiosyncratic. The fact
• ‘track with a soft focus’ (receive rather
together the field’s theoretical and practice
that Hecker & Wetchler has a strong focus
than go after)
wisdom. Rob Fisher’s text Experiential
on couple therapy as well as family therapy
• engage with all their humanity
Psychotherapy with Couples is more than a
will be attractive to some readers. In addi-
• have a high tolerance for uncertainty
guide for the creative pragmatist — it is a
tion, the chapter on legal, ethical and
• give up on the notion of client resistance
professional issues covers an important area guide for the integrated (dare I use that word
• be able to hold more than one point of
often not highlighted in other texts. eclectic) creative pragmatist. Whilst being
view simultaneously
To be a useful introductory text, it has strongly grounded in the process (experien-
• adjust their use of self to the needs of
to cover the basics well. I compared its chap- tial and somatic frame of therapy) this very
clients
ters on the history of family therapy, practice-focused guide also privileges the
• be active and not violent
particular schools and family therapy therapeutic relationship and what Daniel
113
ANZJFT June 2005

4. Reviews
His three sections address ‘Working in a therapeutic setting without the protec- might just be a reminder of what is yet to
tion of an official learning title (intern,
Experientially with Couples’, ‘Character come, and that we all are likely to benefit
student on placement).
Theory and Couple Therapy’ and from reading this book.
The areas covered seemed well thought
‘Integrating the Experiential Approach Maria Nichterlein
through and useful for practice. They range
with Traditional Theories of Assessment Senior Counsellor, La Trobe University,
from personal motivation to do the work,
and Practice’. Melbourne
difference with professional practices,
The experienced reader will recognise
getting accustomed to working in the bilin-
much of what Fisher says. It is not so much
Using Workbooks in
gual world of mental health services (where
his ingredients but the mix that makes this
Mental Health:
family therapists will need to negotiate
a unique and valuable book to have, not on
tension with the inherently psychiatric lan-
your shelf — but always at hand on your
Resources in Prevention,
guage of other mental health practitioners),
desk. Experiential Psychotherapy with
dealing with documentation and values con-
Couples is truly a comprehensive and very
Psychotherapy and
flicts (including dual relationships of
readable guide for the creative and prag-
Rehabilitation for
different sorts), dealing with ‘stuckness’ and
matic couples therapist.
with legal interface, and longer-term issues
Clinicians and
of avoiding burnout, and becoming a
References
‘master therapist’ while still keeping one’s
Researchers.
Nichols, M., 1987. The Self in the System, NY,
head on one’s shoulders.
Brunner/Mazel.
I found myself agreeing with most of Luciano L’Abate (Ed.). Binghamton,
Stern, Daniel, 2004. The Present Moment in
what the authors wrote, at the same time NY,The Haworth Reference Press,
Psychotherapy and Everyday Life, NY,
wishing that something similar were written
Norton. 2004.
by an Australian team. For if there is a cri-
Paul Simmons
tique that The Practical Practice needs, it is pp. xxvii +398. Soft cover. ISBN 0-7890-1593-
Professional Training Manager,
that its strength is at the same time its weak- 5. US $49.95.
Relationships Australia Queensland
ness. Any practice is necessarily based in the
Luciano L’Abate has written extensively in
idiosyncrasies of the place and the people
the field of family psychology and psy-
The Practical Practice that constitute such practice. The more
chotherapy. He has published a number of
practical a tool wants to be, the more local it
of Marriage and Family handbooks of family psychology, marital
will become. This book is no exception: in
interventions and sourcebooks. Using
attempting to be a ‘practical practice’ written
Therapy: Things My Workbooks highlights the potential use of
in the context of clinical practice in the
Training Supervisor workbooks in rehabilitation, prevention, and
United States of America, the authors speak
psychotherapy.
to new graduates who not only have been
Never Told Me. L’Abate is both editor and one of a
differently trained, but who also have had to
number of contributing authors from Italy
negotiate their anxieties in relation to the
Mark Odell & Charles E. Campbell. and the United States. The book is in five
context of North American psychotherapeu-
Binghamton, NY, Haworth, 1998. sections. The first, written by L’Abate, looks
tic practice, including the nightmares of
at the possible roles for workbooks in mental
managed care and their licensing practices
Soft cover. pp. 276. ISBN number:
health and then explores the current research
(which include professional placements as
0-7890-0431-3. US $27.95.
on workbooks and their effectiveness. It
part of their training). The authors speak a
identifies the successes and the challenges
Notwithstanding my nearly 20 years of clin- language that is soothing to that population,
that workbooks need to meet in order to
ical experience, I found myself enjoying but which might be off-putting for newly
fulfil their future role as the ‘medicine of
reading this book. For although it is geared graduated therapists who are struggling with
psychological interventions’.
to an audience of newly graduated clini- our own set of problems (including our
Throughout the developed world,
cians, much in the book is useful to reflect interest in maintaining some autonomy of
health services are struggling to counter the
on and review, no matter how experienced thinking from an ever increasingly dominant
rising levels of morbidity due to mental
one is, since the issues at stake do not allow — and globalising— discourse of what
illness. L’Abate proposes that workbooks can
for a ‘final word’, a ‘right answer’. mental health is and how services should be
be used to improve both the accessibility of
The title clearly and unambiguously provided and evaluated). In this sense, I
mental health services and the clinical effec-
introduces us to what the authors want to would have preferred the book to articulate
tiveness of services delivered. Through the
convey. This is a fair attempt to talk about some alternative practices to dealing with
use of workbooks and the incorporation of
the nitty-gritty elements of our daily practice managed care and the use of DSMIV diag-
new technology such as the Internet, the
in ways that training centres often, and to nostics other than just assuming that, in
possibilities for reaching larger populations
varying degrees, do not have opportunity order to survive, a new clinician needs to be
for preventive, promotion and early inter-
and/or inclination to cover in their teach- able to speak the two languages and accom-
vention activity are increased. At the
ings. This is done in a fairly informal style modate systemic thinking to the mainstream
individual level, L’Abate argues that treat-
that is ‘matter of fact’ and which, I would psychiatric talk.
ment from clinicians can be improved
assume, would be very attractive to a new But again, if we accept the idea that
through the use of workbooks that provide
graduate who might be experiencing a fair we are living in times of increasing glob-
alisation and cultural imperialism, this evidence-based, standardised interventions
dose of anxiety in relation to starting work
114 ANZJFT June 2005

5. Reviews
that then can be clearly evaluated for effec- and development of workbooks. Where trainee and experienced therapists to reflect
tiveness. L’Abate does not pull any punches on their ideas about what are the crucial
this book succeeds is that it introduces the
when critiquing current talk-based therapies credentials for a therapist. Burkham dis-
reader to a range of new ideas and solutions
compared with the written word, but he also cusses how clients can maintain the
to the problems that are facing mental
acknowledges the need for more research benefits of therapy beyond short-term
health services today.
into the effectiveness of workbooks. symptom relief, with expansion to explore
David William Duerden
The second section focuses on the use of family of origin patterns. The exploration
Family Therapist & Occupational Therapist,
workbooks to address a variety of problems, of the role of medication in the emotional
InforMH, NSW Health
including depression, abusive relationships, process of therapy is extremely useful.
substance abuse and working with incarcer- I was disappointed that while research
The Therapy Triangle:
ated individuals. Some of the chapters on therapy outcomes and why people come
provide a good insight into the functioning to therapy is cited, it is not referenced. This
Empowering You with
of the workbook but are light on research, seems to assume that the client audience is
whilst others have a strong research compo- not concerned about evidence and sources. I
the Knowledge to Heal.
nent but leave you wanting to know more think that a book written for clients about
about the application. Interestingly the what to look for in a therapist and how to
Robert Burkham, 2002. E-book. pp.
chapter ‘Healing the Trauma of Abuse: A play a central role in getting good outcomes
118. US $15 US.
Women’s Workbook’, while not formally from therapy makes for compelling reading
www.therapytriangle.com
researched, provided the most interesting for the therapist. I have already started rec-
and helpful insights into the functioning of ommending it to motivated clients who
the workbook. have found it useful. Worth a read!
Emotional Cutoff:
The third section is on couples. The first Emotional Cutoff is a monumental book
Bowen Family Systems
chapter in this section examines the use of which takes one of Bowen’s eight theoretical
workbooks for marriage preparation and concepts and explores it from multiple
Theory Perspectives.
maintenance programs in northern Italy. angles. While Burkam’s e-book is Bowen’s
The context of the development of the pro- thinking simplified, this book is expansive
Peter Titelman (Ed.) Binghamton, NY,
grams is presented, and a comprehensive and complex.
Haworth Clinical Practice Press, 2003.
analysis of its effectiveness is provided. The The concept of emotional cutoff was
following chapter discusses the use of home- used by Murray Bowen to describe ‘the
Soft Cover. pp. 500. ISBN 0 7890 1460 2. US
work in couple therapy and provides some process of separation, isolation, withdrawal,
$37.46 (if ordered online from www.haworth-
reviews of recommended workbooks for use running away, or denying the importance of
pressinc.com)
with couples. The section concludes with the parental family’ (Bowen, 1978,
The Therapy Triangle is an e-book written for
the analysis of one workbook designed to Titelman: 310) The function of cutoff is to
clients about how to make the most of
improve intimacy in couples. relieve relationship tension, yet ‘in the long
therapy. It provides a unique description of
The section devoted to families begins run the cutoff does not change the emo-
clients’ dilemmas in seeking and undertak-
with description of a manual for school tional patterns that brought about these
ing effective therapy, which is useful for
refusal in adolescents and a review of work- tensions, so they tend to reoccur in the next
clients and therapists alike. The theoretical
books and relevant literature on eating generation’ (285).
underpinning is Murray Bowen’s model of
disorders. The most compelling chapter con- The reader is taken on a rich journey
family systems, which Robert Burkham
tains the evaluation of using workbooks to into Bowen’s systems thinking through the
translates into a clear applicable format.
improve intimacy with couples who are experiences of therapists writing about
The book revolves around the central
parents of a handicapped child. This chapter themselves in their own families, case
concept of the therapy triangle, where the
is drawn from Milan-systemic work per- examples and reflections on biological and
client hopes the therapist will take their side
formed in northern Italy, societal processes. It has something for
to fix others. Burkham writes that it ‘is
The concluding section examines the both the novice and experienced systems
natural for clients and professionals to form
status and future of workbooks in the therapist. Students of Family Systems
a therapeutic alliance in opposition to the
delivery of mental health. There are defi- thinking can gain ready access to the
person that the client wishes to change’.
nite implications for workbooks in early theory through the personal stories of
Each chapter describes a hypothetical client
intervention and prevention programs. therapists. Those with a thorough under-
and therapist working through family rela-
L’Abate concludes that the challenges for standing of Bowen’s clinical applications
tionship tensions.
the use of workbooks will be met through will be stretched by chapters on cutoff,
As one who has struggled to curb my
a research agenda. and the brain, reproduction and emo-
own programming in over-responsibility,
Using Workbooks, while not an easy tional cutoff, and Israeli– Palestinian
my favourite section of the book was the
read, is interesting for clinicians and stu- Relations. Some of the case examples
chapter titled ‘The Good, the Bad and the
dents who are looking for an introduction provide useful resources for our clients
Overly Helpful Therapist’. Of particular
to workbooks. It attempts to cover both who are grappling with how to reconnect
interest is the discussion of ‘the overly
their development and implementation in with family members and what are the
helpful therapist’ which parallels the rela-
different fields of psychotherapy. This is a benefits of doing so. Klever’s chapter on
tionship between an overprotective parent
large task and not always successful, ‘Marital Functioning and Multi-
and his/her children. I thought that this
however some of the weaknesses may be a generational Fusion and Cutoff ’ and
reflection of the need for further research was an excellent discussion, stimulating Ferrara’s chapter on ‘The Continuum of
115
ANZJFT June 2005

6. Reviews
Emotional Cutoff in Divorce’ are must- Jenny Brown in this issue) but on the However, to my mind the successful
outcomes reported in such papers could
reads for couple therapists. Other chapters whole, his earlier edited compilation The
equally have been due to other factors: the
covering abuse and violence add much to Therapist’s Own Family (Aronson, 1987)
therapists’ ‘non-anxious presence’ and insis-
the debate on whether power and control scores over its two successors, because,
tence on ‘factual questions designed to
dynamics get lost in attempts to place vio- apart from lively and varied contributions,
defuse emotionality’ (a factor stressed by
lence in a broader relationship context. it contains far less repetition.
several authors), or the quietly provocative
In chapter 15 on child abuse, Walter The besetting fault of Clinical
line of questioning that many Bowenians
Howard Smith writes that Applications of Bowen Family Systems Theory,
use (‘How are you able to get your spouse so
like Emotional Cutoff, is that almost every
readers are cautioned not to interpret a
upset?’ ‘What helps you to be less reactive to
contributor has dutifully ploughed through
focus on family interaction as decreasing
your differences with each other?’ ‘How does
Bowen’s key theoretical concepts, even
the responsibility of abusing family
going along with your husband’s abuse affect
though Titelman has exhaustively presented
members for their violent behaviour …
the pattern?’). This type of questioning
them in the first two essays of the volume.
Each of us is responsible for our behav-
shows the clear continuity between the
The result is a book which is, by my calcula-
iour, even if it is an aspect of a broader
Bowenian tradition, and some more recent
tion, about twice as long as it needed to be,
family emotional process (352).
therapies based in the strategic use of lan-
and very tedious if read from cover to cover.
This is a book to dip into at the level that guage to achieve therapeutic leverage.
Titelman is an extremely experienced thera-
engages each reader, rather than necessarily a My other disappointment, I suppose,
pist and teacher within the Bowen system,
book to read from cover to cover. The was that while all the authors proved adept
but he is no editor — or else the need for
opening chapters focusing on theory run the at applying Bowen’s concepts to practice,
rigorous editing of the whole book is seen as
risk of overwhelming readers who are unfa- hardly any of them seemed able to think
irrelevant because of Haworth’s assembly-
miliar with Bowen, so that they give up critically about the concepts themselves. In
line method of producing new clinical
before reaching the more accessible chapters. Emotional Cutoff, for example, Fran
books: get an editor, assemble contributors,
It is a book to return to over many years. As Ackerman (443–475) uses Bowen’s terms to
print their contributions virtually unedited
I read, I felt that I was being taken on an describe the Palestinian–Israeli standoff, but
for content (but broken up with lots of sub-
intensive course in family systems theory, fails to achieve any new insight into the con-
headings), and treat each chapter as if it were
being taught by a diverse and experienced flict by so doing. She does not allow the
a separate article in a journal.
faculty who have been grappling with this intractable special features of the ‘case’ to
Having said that, I did find that one
theory for decades. I also could see myself, modify the theory. Similarly in this volume,
way of deciding which contributions to read
my family and my own patterns of relating few of the authors appear able to go beyond
first was simply to read the first pages of the-
under stress written throughout the pages, Bowen’s own limits. This is unfortunate, for
oretical introduction to each. Those authors
which prevented this book from becoming Bowen’s theory is a fairly comprehensive and
who were able to present Bowen’s ideas in a
just an intellectual exercise. My mind was thought-provoking one, if unfashionably
fresh way, suggesting that they had really
stretched and my heart was engaged: the ‘modernistic’. Let’s have more of the kind of
‘made them their own’, were the ones that I
measure of an excellent clinical resource! stretching and challenging of the theory that
chose to read first, on the assumption that if
Jenny Brown Betty Carter and Monica McGoldrick have
they could do this with the theory, then
The Family Systems Institute, done in the past. In particular, the biological
probably their case studies would be worth
30 Grosvenor St, Neutral Bay, concepts in which the theory is rooted need
reading too. This applied to, for example,
Sydney, NSW 2089. careful examination (for example, the
Bennett I. Tittler’s ‘Family Systems
www.thefsi.com.au Bowenian parallel between the ‘separateness
Treatment of Depression’ (227–247) and to force’ that drives cells to reproduce by divid-
Phil Klever’s ‘Marital Fusion and ing in two, and the ‘separateness force’ that
Clinical Applications Differentiation’ (119–145). impels human beings to individuality of
Despite the many clear and interesting
of Bowen Family thought within a complex interpersonal
clinical presentations in this book, and system. And when does the wish for ‘sepa-
Systems Theory. although I am personally sympathetic to rateness’ cease to be ‘healthy’ and become
Bowen’s theory and methods, I have to say the unhealthy ‘emotional cut-off’? I am not
Peter Titelman (Ed.) NY, Haworth, that I did not find many of the case studies suggesting these concepts are necessarily
1998. particularly convincing evidence for the par- misleading or wrong, only that few
ticular usefulness of the theory. In several Bowenians seem prepared to go back to the
Pp. 423. Soft cover. ISBN 0-7890-0469-0.
cases, the successful outcomes were attrib- biological basics and think them through for
US$39.05.
uted by the authors to the fact that clients themselves (Bowen himself referred to bio-
had been encouraged to undertake signifi-
‘Of the making of books there is no end’, logical concepts with minimal referencing,
cant family of origin reconnections, e.g.
and to the perpetuation of this enduring taking them as ‘givens’).
Tittler’s chapter on treating depression, and
truth the Haworth Press notably con- Hugh Crago
James B. Smith’s ‘The Use of Bowen Theory
tributes! Peter Titelman’s volume of essays Co-editor, ANZJFT
in Clinical Practice with the Elderly’
on Bowen’s theory in clinical practice pre- Private Practice, Artarmon and Blackheath,
dates his Emotional Cutoff (reviewed by (205–225). NSW
116 ANZJFT June 2005