Domestic Violence: An Integrated Skills Program for Men, Group Leader's Manual [With Cassette]

Excellent information in a well-written, easy to understand format. The author obviously did a great deal of research on various theories and came up with an exceptional manual. Well worth the price. The only thing I would have liked to have seen is purchase prices/ information on the packet of forms that accompany the classes.

As a counselor who has ran quite a few groups for male perpetrators of violence, I heartily recommend the wisdom of Wexler's course. Noting both the strengths and the weaknesses of the Duluth approach, Wexler integrates Self Psychology, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and other useful approaches into a package that challenges abusive beliefs and attitudes, educates men about the triggers and consequences of violence, and emphasizes the respect, empathy, and ability to confront needed by good DV counselors.

Although I have been conducting men's groups for several years, I am always on the lookout for new materials - especially material that focuses on teaching communication, conflict resolution, and self-esteem building skills. This manual not only provides excellent handouts and suggestions for these kinds of activity, it also provides a very comprehensive overview of theories in common use and gives pros and cons about their effectiveness. I am delighted by the holistic approach the author takes and can hardly wait to put these concepts and activities to use. The text is arranged for a 36-week progam but the author has shown, in the introduction, how this material can be adapted to fit a 52-week program or shorter programs - very helpful! The only criticism I have to offer is, although an audio tape accompanies the text, no notice in the ordering information was given concerning the handout packets that are also available. I would have liked to include an order for this material when originally ordering the manual - even at an additional cost, those handouts would have allowed me to integrate this new material into my groups immediately. Thank you, Dr. Wexler, for this excellent book. We facilitators in southern California recognize the progressive and comprehensive programs being developed in San Diego and are "borrowing" many of those concepts.