Patterns of family therapeutic short-term therapy

This new edition of Steve de Shazer's first book makes a milestone of systemic literature accessible again, which has realigned family therapy in multiple ways. De Shazer connects with other pioneers of systemic therapy and integrates their concepts, along with his own, into a new, influential way of thinking, recognizing, and deciding that continues to shape the field today.

On one hand, the book supports a departure from the classical approach to psychotherapy, which posits that one must first identify the reasons for a problem in order to solve it, marking the birth of solution-focused counseling. On the other hand, it establishes brief therapy as a fully-fledged, independent form of therapy that employs specific methods. Additionally, it offers a completely different evaluation of therapeutic phenomena such as resistance, as well as innovative interventions like reframing, homework assignments, compliments, and more.

All of this culminates in a therapy model that De Shazer explains in detail through its individual steps and case examples. Thus, the book serves as an exciting expedition to the roots of systemic therapy for both beginners and experienced practitioners.