Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy

“The book is exactly what therapists interested in couple therapy should read as they embark on a career in the field....This text is ideally suited as an introduction to couple therapy for students....A ‘must’ for any couple therapist's library.”

—Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (on the fourth edition)


“Offers novices and seasoned clinicians a fine reference book to guide them, whether they are interested in learning about a specific approach to couple therapy, or about how to think about or treat a specific issue. The book will always have a place on my clinical bookshelf.”

—The Family Psychologist (on the fifth edition)


“Clearly the definitive reference book in this field....Psychiatrists of any persuasion will find an abundance of valuable pearls.”

—Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (on the fourth edition)


“This book continues the great tradition of the previous five handbooks, covering the most well-researched, evidence-based models in couple therapy, while also addressing new topics such as telehealth, intergenerational issues, as well as mentalization-based couple therapy….The authors are recognized experts in the field and selected an excellent group of contributors with expertise and knowledge in the subject matter….This book is one of the most influential texts I have studied. I was introduced to this handbook during my doctoral-level studies in couple and family therapy and am now using it with my students. Each new edition always provides the knowledge needed to address the main topics in couple therapy. It is an excellent resource for staying up to date with new developments in the field and reviewing the main tenets of classic models.”

—Doody's Review Service


“The sixth edition of this classic handbook is a feast for every student and practitioner of couple therapy. It demonstrates the growing depth and the extraordinary range of the field. The chapter authors are the top people in their specialties, and the editors pull it all together with wisdom and perspective. This will be my go-to source for contemporary developments in couple therapy.”

—William J. Doherty, PhD, Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota


“Our program has used this book for our Couples Therapy class for many years, and the sixth edition will continue to be the definitive text. When I was starting out as a therapist, this book was the primary source for me to learn how to treat couples effectively; I'm so pleased that my students can have the same exposure to state-of-the-art work in the field. It is great to see a chapter on teletherapy in the sixth edition, as well as coverage of how therapy models have evolved over time. Chapters that discuss social forces such as gender, class, and race highlight how assessment must include context as well as relational processes. I've been struck by the recent literature on the powerful impact that relationships can have on both mental and physical health. This is the essential guide for therapists looking for ways to address their clients’ relationships.”

—JoEllen Patterson, PhD, LMFT, Marital and Family Therapy Program, University of San Diego


“The sixth edition continues the Handbook’s essential tradition of presenting a wide scope of approaches to couple therapy. The Handbook does an excellent job of presenting each approach, including core concepts, the science and the art of implementation, and how to tailor treatment for common couple and individual problems. The book also considers developmental and sociocultural differences between clients and therapists. The sixth edition’s particular strengths include timely coverage of established individual approaches being applied to couples, integrative approaches, and navigation of the ethics of couple therapy, including the telehealth and digital couple therapy landscape. The Handbook is a 'must-have' resource for graduate students and professionals.”

—Shalonda Kelly, PhD, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey


“Once again, Lebow and Snyder, following in the superb tradition of Alan Gurman, have produced a volume that uniquely defines couple therapy at this time. The sixth edition of this handbook covers the latest developments in the field with clarity, comprehensiveness, and depth. Along with presenting guiding theory, the chapters discuss practical aspects of the various approaches, providing insights that can be used immediately to improve clinical work and teaching. The book gives students the lay of the land. Experienced practitioners, too, will expand their knowledge and their repertoires of strategies and techniques to help couples resolve their problems.”

—William Pinsof, PhD, LMFT, ABPP, Founder and Past President, The Family Institute at Northwestern University


“For decades, this handbook has been the authoritative reference on clinical work with couples, and the sixth edition follows in this tradition by providing the most current, comprehensive knowledge. The highly respected editors have engaged the finest practitioners to write on every important topic in the field. In addition to traditional approaches and evidence-based models, it is good to see discussion of innovative integrative approaches. The sixth edition covers critical relational issues that frequently come up in couples work—such as intimate partner aggression, infidelity, divorce, and mental health problems—as well as key contemporary topics like telehealth. This is the ideal text for beginning or advanced couple therapy classes and for experienced therapists who want to stay up to date on the latest perspectives.”

—Adrian Blow, PhD, LMFT, Professor and Chair, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University


“This fabulous book has everything that a clinician could need for helping couples in distress in the 21st century. Chapters are consistently beautifully and clearly written, with case illustrations that bring the material to life. The contributing authors are global experts in their fields and the result is an authoritative, comprehensive text.”

—Roz Shafran, PhD, Professor of Translational Psychology, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, United Kingdom


“The bible in the field, now in its sixth edition.”

—Eli Karam, PhD, LMFT, host of the AAMFT Podcast