An Introduction to Family Therapy: Systemic Theory and Practice

An Introduction to Family Therapy provides an overview of the core concepts informing family therapy and systemic practice, covering the development of this innovative field from the 1950s to the present day.

The book considers both British and International perspectives and includes the latest developments in current practice, regulation and innovation, looking at these developments within a wider political, cultural and geographical context.

Taking a three part approach this book conveys the major shifts in the 20th century development of ideas and how these ideas have evolved into a range of interventions and integrative approaches to working with families before discussing the key systems of communication and practice.

New to this edition will be:

• Coverage of 21st century developments coming from the field of neuroscience, trauma theory and attachment theory. In particular how recent understandings of trauma, attachment, emotional regulation and dysregulation reconnect with some of the core aims of the 20th century pioneers of family therapy.

• Expanded explorations race culture and power (RCP) throughout the book including in explorations of types of research, forms of communication, sex and gender.

• Reconsidering developments in theories of communication from the past seventy years of family therapy practice