Family therapy: history, theory, and practice

"Therapeutic work with families is a recent scientific phenomenon but an ancient art. Throughout human history, designated individuals in all cultures have helped couples and families cope, adjust, and grow. In the United States, the interest in assisting families within a healing context began in the 20th century and continues into the 21st century. Family life has always been of interest, but because of economic, social, political, and spiritual values, outsiders made little direct intervention, except for social work, into ways of helping family functioning until the 1950s. Now, there are literally thousands of professionals who focus their attention and skills on improving family dynamics and relationships"-- Provided by publisher.