Dançando com a Família: uma abordagem simbólico-experimental

by Carl A. Whitaker, William M. Bumberry

Dancing with the Family presents something of a clinical importance, not to offer an all-encompassing theory of the family therapy. This book emphasize on a dual focus. You will be asked to remain cognizant of the centrality of the person of the therapist, as well as of the evolving process of the therapy.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Family, Mental Health, Theory

159 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1988

Reviews

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book; I really did. It had alot of good points. I appreciated the way that the author took one case and carried it all the way through as an illustration of his points about how to best work with families. The question and answer sections after each vignette help the reader generalize what he is doing with he particular family.

Whittaker points out the importance family therapists joining with the family, which means that the therapist has to build enough of a relationship with the family to really connect with them and have them believe he is truly present with them. He showws how important it is for a good therapist to shake the family up a bit and create some disequilibrium, because it is through the creation of anxiety that change takes place. He sees his work as a therapist as not only encouraging the growth of his clients, but also enhancing his own growth. This book will be most useful to a reader who has some background in working with families. The book takes the basic concepts that students will have already learned in a survey course and expands them, giving the reader greater insight into the particular way that one of the leaders in the field practices. In that sense it's really a fascinating book.

I found that the book was too short. I wanted more detail, somehow. I found that it was repetitive in parts, and I disagreed with some of the things that Whittaker said about the nature of the family and the importance of marriage. Some of his beliefs about male/female relationships don't fit for me - they seem rather old fashioned. That, coupled with the fact that it will really only benefit a limited audience, is the reason I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 4.

[Tylor Lovins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book you want to read to get a handle on Whitaker’s methods and thoughts about the therapeutic process. Using work with one family throughout the book, this provides both important moments in these sessions with Whitaker’s commentary on his replies, and also stand alone essays on Whitaker’s ideas ranging from the nature of the family and therapy to specific methods of intervention (and, of course, the use of the absurd).

Very easy to read and difficult to put down. Highly recommend.

[Diana Hincu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely practical, inspiring and reflective reading.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last great psychologist, doing the Lord's work.