This unique casebook follows a family therapist's narrative diary as he documents the process of working with the Salazars as they explore each stage of their relationship - from courtship through the departure of the children from home. It provides an in-depth personal account of the process of therapy from the counselor's perspective, as well as a rich, detailed study of a family from courtship through the departure of the children from the home. Each major stage of the family life cycle is presented in a separate chapter.   Students of family therapy can use this book in conjunction with their textbooks can be used to accompany any family therapy text, including Nichols/Schwartz's Family Therapy: Concepts and Methods, 8/e and Nichols Essentials of Family Therapy 4/e , to provide a more in-depth and personal view of how to conduct themselves as therapists. The book includes discussions of the effects of gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation on individuals and families. It also provides information about the dynamics of relationships that could be applied by the reader to his or her own life, whether that person is a professional therapist, a student, or a member of the general public.