In response to popular demand, Rudi Dallos and Ros Draper have produced a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the theory and practice of family therapy and systemic practice. This impressive book offers an overview of the core conceptual framework, illustrated throughout by clinical examples. The chapters contain historical overviews of the development of systemic ideas as well as a thorough description of the core ideas. The book is partly structured by means of a three-phase conceptual map. The three phases detail the development of the early formulations from ideas based predominantly in systems theory, the move to constructivist approaches and finally contemporary practice inspired by social constructionist and associated narrative therapies. The coverage also includes chapters on emotions and attachments in families and an accessible chapter on research methods with a set of illustrative studies.

An innovative feature is the inclusion of a set of resources which can be employed by the individual reader or as part of teaching workshops. These include skill guides at the end of chapters which clearly illustrate the practice of core concepts and a substantial set of appendices containing topic reading lists, formats for exploration and a glossary. Overall the book is conceptually comprehensive as well as providing an accessible'hands-on' resource. It will be invaluable to practising and trainee family therapists, and other mental health professionals working with families in a variety of contexts.