Robert Taibbi provides insights and interventions for couples who are experiencing a crisis and those who have ongoing conflicts. Power struggles around sex, money children and other areas are addressed. He offers an understanding of problems from a developmental perspective, looking at challenges in the early years, raising children, stepfamilies, empty-nest years and old age. In the course of therapy, the couple is provided with opportunities to experience change and create a new vision of themselves and each other.

Throughout, Taibbi shows the clinician that couple therapy is not a straightforward process. The therapist's courage, leadership and creativity allow the couple's fears, emotional triggers and stagnation to be handled in a safe environment. Attention is also given to helping therapists deal with their own emotional responses and encouraging practitioners to develop their strengths and personal style.

This is a highly readable, practical guide, rich with clinical wisdom and illustrative case examples.