In 2011 Paul Rhodes and Andrew Wallis took a brave step that no one had attempted by deciding to edit a collection of papers written by and for Australian therapists working with families. In the forward they wrote ‘This book is written with a wide audience in mind, namely students and practitioners from many disciplines, who may or may not want to identify as family therapists, but who are keen to develop a rigorous and disciplined approach to working with families.’ Each chapter, contributed by a local practitioner with expertise in that area, began with a theoretical overview followed by guidelines for application in a family session. It was inclusive, clear, and practical and became the text for many AAFT accredited family therapy programs. With the closure of the responsible publishing house in 2018, the book was no longer available, and we were bereft; it was like our favourite revered elderly relative to whom we turned for guidance and advice had died.
All is Not Lost
One of those teachers who had relied on the book, was Kerrie James, an author in the first edition, and central thinker in the field, who approached the original editors with the suggestion that it was time for a new contemporary version. The call to the original authors went out requesting an updated version of their chapter while new contemporary chapters were added. These reflect the third order thinking that has emerged in family therapy which ‘emphasises the necessity for therapist to consciously acknowledge and address the effect of societal systems, power dynamics, and the shared aspects of culture and meaning making’. This strand is apparent in all the chapters but is more overtly addressed in the new chapters, including those on diversity and inclusion and working systemically with Australian First Nations families. Another welcome addition is a chapter on dialogical reflecting processes and practices which has become increasingly important in recent years and was not represented in the first edition.
Who is this Book for?
The clever balance of theory and its practical application in the session makes the text of value to both the experienced practitioner and those who are beginning. While it does not attempt to oversimplify difficult concepts these are described in ways that are accessible and then supported with examples for their translation into practice. The reader is walked through the process beginning with a recognition of the centrality of the practitioner to the first and subsequent interviews and attention to specific client groups and presentations. These include work with children and adolescents, separated families, abuse and the conducting of a final session.
A New Chapter
The second edition, now published by Routledge, was formally launched on Wednesday 7 August 2024 at the University of NSW with gratitude to those who had the courage to take this forward and joy at meeting old friends and new. Our elderly relative may no longer be with us but the wisdom they imparted continues and has been supplemented by new, contemporary, and exciting ideas that match the present and give hope for the future.
Disclaimer-The author of these notes has also contributed to this book so is hardly objective.
Wallis, A. James, K. and Rhodes, P. A eds 2nd edition (2024) A Practical Guide to Family Therapy Routledge. London
