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This book reviews the research and philosophical foundations for using mindfulness, acceptance and Buddhist psychology in couple and family therapy, and advises on applying them in practice in therapeutic relationships, treatment planning and intervention.

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Mindfulness-based and acceptance-oriented therapies have become important treatment options for concerns as varied as depression, stress, and addictions, and are increasingly recognized as holding significant promise for addressing the complexity of relational issues. Especially as overwhelmed couples and overscheduled families struggle with issues of communication, trust, and forgiveness, mindfulness the art of being in the moment and accepting without judgment may hold powerful keys to healing.
Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy offers professionals a practical, straightforward guide to how mindfulness works and why it is well-suited to many seemingly intractable relational problems. Introductory chapters review psychological and relational benefits of mindfulness, summarize its robust empirical base, and explain how being present can directly affect entrenched family issues and couples longstanding behavioral impasses. Case examples and sample exercises illustrate therapeutic mindfulness and acceptance in action. Mindfulness and acceptance are applied to all aspects of practice, including building a therapeutic relationship, case conceptualization, treatment planning, and intervention. In addition, Dr. Gehart provides numerous practice-ready resources, such as:
Sample questions and assessment techniques for case conceptualization.Treatment plan templates for individuals, couples, and families.Handouts and web resources for teaching mindfulness in session. Detailed intervention instructions and handouts.As an evidence-informed therapeutic approach to difficult cases, or as a guide to more philosophical practice, Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy is an exciting new resource for couple and family practitioners, psychologists, social workers, and counselors.

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I. Introduction to Philosophical and Research Foundations.-Mindfulness in Therapy.-A Mindful Re-visioning of Couple and Family Therapy Practice.-Mindfulness Research Foundations.-II. The Practice of Mindfully Oriented Couple & Family Therapy.-Therapeutic Presence and Mindfulness.-Mindfulness-Informed Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning.-Teaching Mindfulness Practice in Therapy.-Foundational Mindfulness- and Acceptance-Informed Interventions and Practices.-Mindfulness and Acceptance Interventions for Couples and Families.-III: Training and Self-Care.-Training and Supervision.-Therapist Self-Care and Style of Life.-Online Resources.-References

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From the reviews:
"A valuable resource to any therapist in need of a practical guide to introducing mindfulness techniques into a therapy practice. The book is divided into three parts, which address philosophical foundations, practice, and self care. ... Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couple and Family Therapy is an insightful addition to any mental health care professional´s library ... ." (S. E. James, Mindfulness, Vol. 4, 2013)

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