This text is a comprehensive survey of the field of marriage and family therapy, with emphasis on a systemic theoretical perspective.

The systemic-cybernetic framework in Family Therapy provides an understanding of people in the context of their environment. The text—divided into three sections for theoretical frameworks, models of family therapy, and the practice of family therapy—includes current developments, evolving models, and ongoing debates. Various family and developmental theories are integrated into a “dynamic process model” for viewing and understanding family interactions and relationships, including psychodynamic, experiential, structural, communications, strategic, and behavioral approaches. Therapeutic modalities include individual, couple, group family, couples group, multiple family, networking, and symptom-focused.