Systemic Versus Psychodynamic Orientations in Family Therapy

Reviews the book, The Technique and Practice of Object Relations Family Therapy by Samuel Slipp (see record 1988-98461-000). A central development in the gradual maturing of the family therapy field over the past decade has been reflected in efforts to integrate varying and often competing theoretical orientations. Slipp's work is scholarly and thoughtful in attempting to operationalize aspects of object relations theory in clinical work with spouses and families. According to the author, this book is directed toward two audiences: psychodynamically trained therapists who seek to relate their skills to family needs and veteran family therapists who wish to expand their clinical resources by integrating aspects of object relations theory. This is an admirable ambition, but it is difficult because it involves the interfacing not only of differing orientations but of two distinctly different fields of clinical practice. Overall, the techniques that are presented in this book will provide the psychodynamic therapist more focused and applied resources for working in couples therapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)