Becoming an Effective Family Therapist

"This book explores the link between the effectiveness of the family therapist and the complexity of the therapeutic relationship. For family therapists the therapeutic alliance is complex because there are different family members, and the therapist must have an empathic relationship with each of them. Furthermore, the therapist is focused on facilitating the development of trust between the family members. The book highlights the family therapist, not as an interventionist, but as someone who is focused on establishing a good relationship with different family members. It includes research, theory as well as case studies, exploring topics such as: the therapist's emotion regulation, the therapist's inner dialogue, and dealing with client feedback. The main idea is simple but important: The goal of family therapy is not healing, but connection. A family therapist knows that connection heals. Connection also protects against suffering in the future. This book is essential for beginning and seasoned family therapists, systemic therapists, and graduate students"--