This volume offers therapists effective, practical strategies for helping patients overcome the psychological impact of a history of serious illness in the family. Using illustrative case material, the author discusses the feelings of powerlessness that family illness can produce in an individual, and describes techniques for fostering a healthier, more empowered attitude. She shows how various assessment exercises and validation techniques can help the person distinguish between reality and the myths that evolved as a result of the family illness.

Barth, Joan C.

Introduction; Chapter 1 Family Legacies; Chapter 2 Your Family Tree; Chapter 3 Life Drawing; Chapter 4 Fatalists; Chapter 5 Fighters; Chapter 6 Fatalist or Fighter; Chapter 7 You and the Health Care Practitioner; Chapter 8 Beating the Odds; Chapter 9 Implications for Therapists;