I have used the Nichols book for over 20 years in teaching graduate and undergraduate family therapy. This book is far superior to Nichols' book, which has been considered the standard in the field. The author has the rare gift of being able to translate many complex family therapy concepts into conversational, jargon-free descriptions which students can readily grasp. The author also links family therapy to individual therapy models, which is consistent with the integrative approach that characterizes contemporary family therapy. The attention to individual models also, I believe, assists students (particularly students with traditional social science backgrounds) with understanding family therapy concepts which are likely to be somewhat unique and distinctive. Each chapter includes attention to research and the author is not afraid to go outside of the family therapy field and include related concepts that have research support. Finally, the author is a true scholar of family therapy. Her descriptions include attention to the historical context in which many of these models were developed and their strengths and limitations, repeatedly showing that she understands many concepts which are relatively subtle, yet important, and missed by many textbooks and instructors. For example, the author's description of the concept of differentiation as including the ability to be present when a family member is experiencing intense negative emotion and not identifying with that is an example of the depth of the author's scholarship. This text will provide your students with a view of family therapy as an Art and a Science. This text examines the history of family therapy, its unique and global processes, and the specific theoretical approaches to working therapeutically with couples and families. A must read for graduate students and professionals engaged in the family therapy arena.