Couple Therapy for Infertility (Guilford Family Therapy Series) [Hardcover]

Ronny Diamond MSW (Author), Mimi Meyers (Author), David Kezur (Author), Constance N. Scharf (Author), Margot Weinshel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 7, 1999 | ISBN-10: 1572305118 | ISBN-13: 978-1572305113 | Edition: 1

This volume describes in step-by-step detail a unique therapeutic approach developed to treat couples confronting the painful challenge of infertility. Therapists learn how they can help couples accept the possibility of not having genetically related children; acknowledge each other's feelings and deal with problems that may arise in their relationship; and assess the potential gains, pitfalls, and psychological effects of available treatment options. Detailed guidelines are set forth for implementing therapeutic interventions in each of five unique stages typically experienced by couples. Illuminating the tasks that couples and therapists face throughout the process, the book is illustrated with extensive case examples that bring the material to life. A useful Appendix provides current information on medical evaluation and treatment.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This long overdue book is sure to become an authoritative source for understanding and dealing with the many ramifications of infertility. It is a book to be treasured by therapists and couples alike, combining technological information with enlightening therapeutic approaches. It touches on every level of this heartrending experience, with specific guidelines for helping couples through the maze of decisions, choices, disappointments, and possibilities engendered by being childless. No therapist should be without it." --Peggy Papp, MSW

"Couple Therapy for Infertility is an essential reference for clinicians working with infertile couples. Using an excellent blend of research, theory and clinical material, the authors provide a sturdy foundation upon which mental health professionals can build a constructive therapeutic relationship with these couples. This book is both practical and compassionate. The format interweaves issues and therapeutic approaches and is tremendously helpful and accessible. Whether clinicians already have been working in the infertility field or are brand new, Couple Therapy for Infertility is a 'must read.'" --Andrea Mechanick Braverman, PhD, Director of Psychological Services, Pennsylvania Reproductive Associates, Philadelphia, PA

"Professionals who work with the ever-larger number of couples struggling with infertility will welcome this thoughtful, clinically sophisticated guide. The authors elucidate complex biological, psychological, and social issues, providing the reader with a clear and understandable map of the pathway in life known as infertility. Beyond this, they bring together the best elements of current research and family therapy-informed practice. This book is to be commended for the skills it will impart to healthcare providers and the help it will offer to couples." --Donald A. Bloch, MD, Co-Chair, Collaborative Family Healthcare Coalition; Past President, American Family Therapy Academy

From the Back Cover

Couple Therapy for Infertility is an essential reference for clinicians working with infertile couples. Using an excellent blend of research, theory and clinical material, the authors provide a sturdy foundation upon which mental health professionals can build a constructive therapeutic relationship with these couples. This book is both practical and compassionate. The format interweaves issues and therapeutic approaches and is tremendously helpful and accessible. Whether clinicians already have been working in the infertility field or are brand new, Couple Therapy for Infertility is a "must read"(Andrea Mechanick Braverman, PhD, Director of Psychological Services, Pennsylvania Reproductive Associates, Philadelphia, PA).

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 243 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (September 7, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572305118
• ISBN-13: 978-1572305113
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 0.9 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #575,789 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A helpful, compassionate book November 6, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

As an individual and as part of a couple I've read dozens of books on infertility. Unfortunately, they are usually preachy and/or clinical. "Couple Therapy For Infertility" was neither. It offered new insight into how infertility effects relationships. It gave me personal guidance - I've recommended it to friends and to my therapist! I am thrilled such a book has *finally* been published. This is an important topic that demands such sensitivity and compassion. Recommended reading for all couples. Thank you sincerely!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for couples facing infertility treatment! November 5, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Hardcover

This is a magnificent resource. Infertility treatment has become so common. The medical advances have been tremendous. But before this book appeared few experts in infertility paid attention to the psychological consequences couples often face when they try to conceive. Many times the emotional difficulty can literally tear a couple apart. Using case studies and extremely thoughtful analysis, the authors prevent a guide for both couples and professionals to help overcome the many hurdles raised by this rapidly expanding technology