Working Systemically with Families

Systemic theory offers a valuable framework for integrating the diverse ideas found throughout the mental health arena in both theory and clinical practice. With this accessible book, the authors take you on an enjoyable and coherent journey through systemic theory. They then review the body of research into family therapy and conclude with a critical review of major recent developments in theory and application. At the end of several chapters are reflexive notes containing exercises that relate to the ideas and processes found within the chapter to further develop the reader's understanding. The conclusion draws together the ideas found throughout the book, with particular emphasis on the interlocking triangle of formulation, intervention and evaluation and how this will impact on systemic practice in the future. While this book will be an invaluable introduction to family systems theory and practice for clinical psychology training courses, plugging a gap that Vetere and Dallos have identified as one of their motives for writing it, its remit runs much wider. It will prove an essential companion for any professional working in the public services, whether systemically trained or not. It covers an impressive range of theory, practice and research and, as such, is firmly grounded both in the application to different client groups and in the necessity for most practitioners of integrating different therapeutic approaches.

Rudi Dallos is Programme Director and Professor in Clinical Psychology on the Plymouth University doctoral training course in clinical psychology. He is also a consultant clinical psychologist and teaches on several family therapy training courses. He has published a number books including 'Researching Psychotherapy and Counselling' (2005, co-written with Arlene Vetere), 'Attachment Narrative Therapy' (2006) and 'Reflective Practice in Psychotherapy and Counselling' (2009, co-edited with Jacqui Stedmon). Arlene Vetere is Deputy Director of Clinical Psychology Doctorate training at Surrey University and a family therapist, registered with the UKCP. She is also President of the European Family Therapy Association.