Tai Mendenhall - Clinical Methods in Medical Family Therapy

Editors

Tai Mendenhall , Angela Lamson , Jennifer Hodgson and Macaran Baird

Clinical Methods in Medical Family Therapy

Tai Mendenhall

I dedicate this book to my incredible wife, Ling. Thank you for loving me for who I am, and for supporting me in all of the ways that you do along this always-exciting, sometimes-exhausting, never-boring, and forever-evolving career path. You inspire me every day, and I love you with all of my heart. I also want to thank my familymy parents (Vince and Diann, Tom and Suzette), sisters and brothers-in-law (Tiffany and Jeff, Carrie and Patrick), niece (Jessa), and nephew (Kadin)for cheering me on. Thank you to my mentorsDrs. Bill Doherty, Pauline Boss, Wayne Caron, Wayne Denton, Pete Harper, Paul Rosenblatt, Hal Grotevant, and othersfor believing in me over the years, even (especially!) during times when I was not so sure. And to my students, my patients, and their families: I thank you for keeping me humble, and for teaching me more than I have ever taught you.

Angela Lamson

To the love of my life, Brad Lamson, thank you for supporting me through the many nights and weekends away from you and Carter in order to get this book to completion. I am so grateful that you helped me to carve out an hour each day to walk with you and talk about our day, visions for our future, and the joys of raising a teenager. God could not have created a better husband for me or a better father for our son. Carter Lamson, thank you for your hugs of reassurance throughout my writing of this book. My favorite conversation with you was the day that we discussed how you were my best biopsychosocial-spiritual innovation, and you are. I love you, son! I want to thank my coeditorsTai, Jennifer, and Macfor your passion for this field and for your late night messages when I needed them most. Thank you to my parents, mother-in-law, siblings, dearest friends, extended family, and godchildren, who kept wondering what topic I was writing about next and for giving me virtual hugs to charge forward. Mom, Dad, Marty, and Pattya special thank you to you for believing in me and instilling in me your love and a work ethic to want more for this world. A very big thank you to the ECU administrators (especially Chancellor Steve Ballard, Dr. Paul Gemperline, and Dr. Cynthia Johnson) and our wonderful MFT/MedFT faculty (Drs. Brimhall, Didericksen, Dosser, Hill, Hodgson, Jensen, Krepps, Markowski, Rappleyea, Roberts, Tyndall, and White) over the years who had the forward thinking to allow us to create such an incredible PhD program. I also must extend deep gratitude to my numerous personal and professional mentors, to the students who have grown this field beyond my imagination, and to the patients and families who have welcomed me into their lives and reminded me that the human soul can endure incredible pain and still find space for hope and resilience.

Jennifer Hodgson

I dedicate this book to my amazing husband, Steve, who is 100% in my corner as a working mom. I also dedicate it to my three children, Lauren, Ava Lynn, and Brennon. They are the reason behind how hard I work. My goal is to leave behind a better healthcare system for them. I also want to send a special thank you out to my family, colleagues, and students. My family inspires my work ethic. I am grateful for their love and support. I could also not forget my mentors and colleagues who have made it possible for me to focus on my scholarship and who have added depth and breadth to the advancement of medical family therapy as a field. Lastly, to my students and patients, you show me new ways to think about health and wellness. You demonstrate what courage and commitment are in the work that you do. It is such a privilege to be in your company and revel in your wisdom and grit.

Macaran Baird

While indebted to numerous mentors and professional colleagues, I dedicate this book to my wife, Kris. You have literally and metaphorically traveled with me during my professional and personal journey for over 48 years. And to my children: Macavan; his wife, Shannon Lundeen; and their two sons, Paxton and Harlan, and to Trina-Marie Baird and her husband, Todd Guttman, as well as his extended family. All of you have shared generously your love, trust, and commitment to me while also improving the lives of others. I could not have contributed to this book without you. In particular, I dedicate the legacy of this book to Macavan, whose courage, gentle intelligence, and love is a legacy in itself.

Tai Mendenhall, Angela Lamson, Jennifer Hodgson, & Macaran Baird

We dedicate this book to all of the families and loved-ones for whom we hope our collective efforts will benefit.