Customer Reviews

Treating Troubled Children and Their Families

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4 star:		(1)
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Ellen Wachtel manages to make appealing the combination of three models in "Treating Troubled Children and Their Families." She demonstrates the use of psychodynamic theory, systemic models, and behavior analytic methods in approaching parents and children. Her style is clear, thoughtful, and enjoyable to read. She is careful to point out the limits and to warn the reader that she has in many cases oversimplified for illustrative purposes. Her position is clearly stated and she makes a convincing argument for this more eclectic approach. The book would be useful for both students and practitioners.

This book was a gold mine of ideas for me. I am interested in integrating play therapy and family therapy. Family therapy arbitrarily cuts off children younger than about 10. I am looking to construct a theoretically sound basis for integrating both. It may not be possible, but young children are often cut out of the therapeutic relationship.

Ellen Wachtel provides excellent ideas for assessment and treatment of children. This book was a constant companion to me in the practice of children's therapy for many years. It is conceived very well and simple to understand.