Engagement and the therapeutic relationship in systemic therapy

Journal/Book: J Fam Ther. 1997; 19: 108 Cowley Rd, Oxford, Oxon, England OX4 1JF. Blackwell Publ Ltd. 263-282.

Abstract: This paper is about the therapeutic relationship in systemic therapy and, more specifically, about engagement as a process. Beginning with some practice examples, a critique is made of the way in which both the therapeutic relationship and engagement have been under-theorized in systemic therapy. Two different sets of ideas are used to develop some thinking about the process of engagement: the notion of the 'good-enough' engagement as the environment or frame of therapy is developed, and the systemic concept of sequences is held alongside the psychoanalytic ideas of transference, countertransference and projective identification. This theory discussion is used to reflect on the original practice examples.

Note: Article Flaskas C, Univ New S Wales, Sch Social Work, Sydney, NSW 2052, AUSTRALIA

Keyword(s): FAMILY-THERAPY; CONSTRUCTIONIST

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