Abstract
Self Within Marriage is a wonderfully written book. There are great vignettes which allow for a “novel” feel to the book that makes it easy to read. The emphasis on attachment is great and will speak to those counselors who take a developmental approach to their counseling practice. Concepts such as self-dyad are presented in a straightforward, easy to understand manner.
The vignettes spotlight several individuals and couples who are at different stages of their life span, as they present for counseling due to a variety of life and relationship issues. It is clear from the counseling session vignettes that patterns of interaction that worked in the beginning of those relationships now are ineffective, resulting in the need to seek professional help.
While the book title references “marriage” in the title, the information provided within the text can be useful when working with a variety of couples: traditional, same sex, individuals who are in a couple being seen for individual counseling but not couples/marital counseling. The book provides valuable information which helps counselors work with individuals and couples to create a better understanding for the client(s) about their own individual needs as well as their “couple” needs.