Mastering Competencies in Family Therapy: A Practical Approach to Theory and Clinical Case Documentation

by Diane R. Gehart

MASTERING COMPETENCIES IN FAMILY THEORY-BASED ASSESSMENT provides a competency-based approach to teaching clinical skills in marriage and family therapy, an approach already adopted by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Using a light and inviting tone, Gehart offers a comprehensive five-step model for competent treatment which includes case conceptualization, clinical assessment (diagnosis) and case management, treatment planning, evaluation of progress, and documentation. The work also includes a set of useful clinical forms that can be applied in practice environments, as well as an introduction to the importance of theory and evidence-based practice in all five steps.

Genres: Psychology, School, Counselling, Grad School, Textbooks, Mental Health, Academic

528 pages, Paperback

Published March 20, 2009

Reviews

[Morgan Blackledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular textbook.

[Nicole]

But the 2023 updated version.

[Kristen Branch-McGlamery]

Not going to rate since this was a textbook

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This textbook kept my attention in ways most textbooks don't. Author writes in a very easy-to-follow and practical way. Does a great job of summarizing major family systems theories and breaking down the process of how to implement them in work with clients, the therapist's role within each, therapeutic techniques, and lenses for how to do case conceptualization within each theory. There was also the added benefit of online resources that came with this book, such as downloadable intake, assessment, and treatment planning forms. I'll be keeping this one as a helpful reference to refer back to in future practice with clients!

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes I will be logging my textbooks because I read them..so..thanks Dr. Gehart you & my prof taught me (amongst other things) structural family therapy in this grad school course and now I can be a real menace to my family over this break about it

[Christine Kish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a fabulous job putting this textbook together. It is broken down into small bits. She guides you through it and tells you exactly how to study and use the book. This book is jammed packed with information I will use for years to come.

[Alfie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant would be an understatement to refer to this work by Dr. Gehart. Her ability to elucidate big concepts and organize them in a palatable manner makes it a must-have for every aspiring family therapist.

[John Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It wasn't cheap, but probably the best bang for a student's buck given that it comprehensively covers the foundations of family therapy and gives solid baseline for the practical matters of assessment, treatment planning, and documentation.

[Kipi (the academic stitcher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very practical text for marriage and family therapy students. Details on each therapy model are very helpful.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

N

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it.

[Denitra Crowder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend finding her on YouTube and listening to the lecture videos on each model. Very helpful when reading and notating the theories

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of various family therapy approaches and interventions.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mft 541

[Purviben K. Trivedi-Ziemba]

This is one of the required textbooks for my classes. I find her writing easy to follow and full of information. My university provides it in ebook format. I also decided to buy paperback and the $$ is spent wisely. After my order was placed and shipped, I realized e-book was 2nd edition and I should have bought 3rd edition. Oh Well! Dr. Gehart also have a YouTube playlist accompanying 3rd edition that I am sharing below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFLrR...

If you are planning to become a Marriage and Family Therapist, I heartily recommend this book.

[Rod White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unsure about Dr. Gehart's Buddhist reference point. But I ended up thankful for this thorough, helpful summary of the major approaches to family therapy. It IS practical, as promised, but it remains chatty and down-to-earth.

[Sásha Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The "bottom line" of each theraputic model is well worded and easy to understand when looking to compare different theories. Also appreciate the application part of each model. It allows the therapist a best fit quick glance at how to apply specific theory to the family.

[Desi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth reading as study guide for the MFT licensure exam

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best text books I've read. Love the way it was written. :)

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the practical applications included in this book.