Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy Theory
Cybernetics, Systems, and Communication
(First Edition)
©2027, 90 pages
Paperback list price: $34.95
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Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy Theory: Cybernetics, Systems, and Communication explores the intersection of general systems, cybernetic, and communication theories as they apply to the field of marriage and family therapy. It offers a foundational understanding of these concepts and how they form the bedrock of systemic therapeutic practice.
The book is organized into three sections, providing overviews of general systems, cybernetic, and communication theories. The book provides a detailed examination of the components of a system, its organization, and the principles of homeostasis and change. This text expands upon conventional cybernetic models to introduce second-order cybernetics and its relevance to observing and participating in therapeutic systems. A deep dive into communication theory, covering verbal and nonverbal types, the layers of message exchange, and the role of paradoxical communication, concludes the text.
Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy Theory is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in marriage and family therapy, family social work, counseling, or helping skills.
The book is organized into three sections, providing overviews of general systems, cybernetic, and communication theories. The book provides a detailed examination of the components of a system, its organization, and the principles of homeostasis and change. This text expands upon conventional cybernetic models to introduce second-order cybernetics and its relevance to observing and participating in therapeutic systems. A deep dive into communication theory, covering verbal and nonverbal types, the layers of message exchange, and the role of paradoxical communication, concludes the text.
Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy Theory is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in marriage and family therapy, family social work, counseling, or helping skills.
Rachel Tambling (LMFT, Ph.D. University of Georgia) is a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Connecticut and teaches helping skills courses. She is a licensed marital and family therapist, a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.
Carissa D’Aniello-Heyda (LMFT, Ph.D., Virginia Tech) is an associate professor of couple, marriage, and family therapy at Fairfield University. Dr. D’Aniello teaches clinical training courses that include helping skills. She is a licensed marital and family therapist, a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and an AAMFT Approved Supervisor.
Other Cognella titles by Rachel Tambling:Other Cognella titles by Carissa D'Aniello-Heyda:
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"Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy: Cybernetics, Systems and Communication provides an insightful and comprehensive introduction to the theoretical foundations of marriage and family therapy. The book successfully explains complex concepts from systems theory, cybernetics, and communication theory in a way that is accessible and easy to read. The modern examples allow readers to easily link these foundational ideas to relationship dynamics. This book will be a helpful addition to any family therapy course. One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on understanding relationship patterns and larger family systems. The authors describe how patterns of interaction influence relationship functioning and therapeutic outcomes. The discussion of cybernetics and communication theory clearly illustrates how feedback loops and communication processes shape family systems and contribute to both stability and change. Real-world examples and practical applications help bridge the gap between theory and clinical practice, making the material relevant for students, educators, and practicing therapists alike. Overall, Foundations of Marriage and Family Therapy: Cybernetics, Systems and Communication is an excellent resource for anyone seeking an understanding of foundational family systems. After reading it, I decided to adopt it in the family therapy theory course I teach."
Lee Johnson, Ph.D., Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Brigham Young University
"Drs. Tambling and D’Aniello-Heyda deliver a digestible textbook on foundational concepts of marriage and family therapy that is relevant to 21st century students and therapists. This concise and straightforward text outlines some of the essential roots of family therapy without bogged down with esoteric references. The dizzying mathematical equations and outdated references of past General Systems Theory, Cybernetics, and Communication texts are replaced by clear examples from the authors’ lives and graspable explanations that today’s graduate student can follow. The text prepares students, and therapists who need a refresher on theory, to apply these concepts to clients. I wish I had this text when I was in my master’s program!"
Kevin (Somi) Hynes, Ph.D., LMFT, Program Director and Assistant Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Stout
"In just 10 delightfully readable and clear chapters (how often can we say that about a textbook!?), this timely book rigorously foregrounds Family Therapy’s foundational ideas. While it will prove a valuable resource on systemic thinking for both experienced and novice family therapists, this short volume provides ideal and essential guidance for graduate students. It not only aids in understanding but in differentiating family therapy’s conceptual roots and branches from other mental health disciplines. The book plainly and enjoyably explains the concepts of cybernetics, systems, and communication and—just as important—clarifies what these concepts are not. It tackles common misconceptions and confusion points and is simply an excellent primer or refresher for training in advanced family therapy theory and intervention."
Alyssa Witting, Ph.D., MFT, Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences, Brigham Young University
Lee Johnson, Ph.D., Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Brigham Young University
"Drs. Tambling and D’Aniello-Heyda deliver a digestible textbook on foundational concepts of marriage and family therapy that is relevant to 21st century students and therapists. This concise and straightforward text outlines some of the essential roots of family therapy without bogged down with esoteric references. The dizzying mathematical equations and outdated references of past General Systems Theory, Cybernetics, and Communication texts are replaced by clear examples from the authors’ lives and graspable explanations that today’s graduate student can follow. The text prepares students, and therapists who need a refresher on theory, to apply these concepts to clients. I wish I had this text when I was in my master’s program!"
Kevin (Somi) Hynes, Ph.D., LMFT, Program Director and Assistant Professor, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, University of Wisconsin-Stout
"In just 10 delightfully readable and clear chapters (how often can we say that about a textbook!?), this timely book rigorously foregrounds Family Therapy’s foundational ideas. While it will prove a valuable resource on systemic thinking for both experienced and novice family therapists, this short volume provides ideal and essential guidance for graduate students. It not only aids in understanding but in differentiating family therapy’s conceptual roots and branches from other mental health disciplines. The book plainly and enjoyably explains the concepts of cybernetics, systems, and communication and—just as important—clarifies what these concepts are not. It tackles common misconceptions and confusion points and is simply an excellent primer or refresher for training in advanced family therapy theory and intervention."
Alyssa Witting, Ph.D., MFT, Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences, Brigham Young University
