The Space Between

"This book, which comprises contributions from many well known authors, takes an important step in the field of family therapy towards linking many fruitful approaches. Sheila McNamee (2004) recently suggested that we have reached the point when we should be promiscuous rather than remaining faithful to one pure approach. This allows us to enrich our skills rather than confining them. Nevertheless, we still need a shared focus. What better place to start than by exploring the space between the therapist and client. So much of our thinking has centered on both what therapists do, or what families are. Since the emergence of second order perspectives, however, there has been an increasing interest in how family and therapists mutually influence each other in the therapeutic relationship."-- John Byng-Hall from the Foreword The latest volume in the Systemic Thinking and Practice Series focuses on THE therapeutic relationship between the family and the therapist, an element present in every therapy session. The chapters discuss the different aspects of the therapeutic relationship that can sometimes be very difficult or sensitive; unsuccessful therapy, cultural issues including language difficulties, same-sex couples, and therapist's use of herself within therapy. Clinical examples are found throughout the book to illustrate both positive as well as negative outcomes of therapy. Contributors: Rhonda Brown, John Burnham, John Byng-Hall, Alan Carr, Carmel Flaskas, Jo Howard, Alfred Hurst, Ellie Kavner, Sebastian Kraemer, Britt Krause, Rabia Malik, Maeve Malley, Michael Maltby, Barry Mason, Sue McNab, Amaryll Perlesz, David Pocock, Hitesh Raval, Justin Schlicht, Lennox K. Thomas