Abstract

The new edition of this well-known text addresses the plurality of family life today, and considers the way in which the changeable 'theory of family' has influenced the approaches of those working with families. The emphasis in this second edition is on working in a context of cultural diversity and in which life transitions such as marriage, divorce and bereavement, affect the lives of all families, be they multi- or lone-parent, gay or heterosexual. This is an essential text for therapists and counsellors, both in training and in practice, who work with families.
'...enjoyable and an education...I would recommend this book.' - David Spellman, Journal of Family Therapy

'...an accurate snapshot of a discipline in transition written from the perspective of a senior figure in the teaching and clinical practice of family therapy in Britain...This is an important book in several ways. Throughout it contains a rich source of examples of how effective systemic psychotherapists work. It identifies the middle ground of contemporary British family therapy. Both new and experienced family therapists will benefit from reading it.' - David Jones, Child Psychology & Psychiatry

'Gill Gorell Barnes is a popular author with our students, and I am sure that this book will be no exception...the book offers clear explanations with helpful illustrations. This is a book students will come back to again and again, especially when they are in practice.' - Lynne Hooten, Glasgow Caledonian University

'...this is a book which I would recommend to all those who work wth children.' - Sue Roughton, Community Practitioner
GILL GORELL BARNES is Senior Clinical Lecturer and Family Therapist at the Tavistock Clinic, London. She also acts as Consultant for Training at the Institute of Family Therapy in London. She has worked with families for over 25 years in a variety of settings. She has recently published research into children's experiences of step-families, as well as completing a clinical study on children and families going through processes of separation, divorce and family re-ordering.