This textbook uniquely highlights the particular complexities of working systemically with couples and families with children. It is designed to be student and practitioner oriented by drawing on real world examples of therapeutic encounters in mental health settings to illustrate how theory can inform practice.

Good communication is the cornerstone of good clinical practice and is foundational for building therapeutic alliance. Although therapists and counsellors are often highly skilled in their therapeutic modalities, this book offers additional practical suggestions about how families engage in social actions and positioning themselves and others in their talk. The book also takes wider micro and macro ecological systems within which systemic psychotherapists and counsellors work into account and consider the ways that these larger social influences are experienced within institutional discourses.

The book will be a valuable resource across a broad spectrum of professions and researchers, including counsellors, psychotherapists, family therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, play therapists, speech and language therapists, and mental health social workers.

Michelle O'Reilly is Associate Professor of Communication in Mental Health at the University of Leicester and a Research Consultant for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, UK. Michelle is also a Chartered Psychologist in Health. 

Nikki is a chartered Consultant Clinical Psychologist with experience working with patients with severe and enduring mental health difficulties. She runs M¿tai Rongo, a trauma responsive training, supervision and psychology centre in New Zealand.

Preface

PART ONE: THEORETICAL CONTEXT 

1. Systems within systems: Families in society

2. Communicating with families 

3. Forming and maintaining good therapeutic relationships 

PART TWO: ENGAGING CHILDREN 

4. Managing interruptions

5. Engaging children through questions  

6. Engaging children through creative techniques   

7. Children's competence 

PART THREE: ATTENDING TO THE DIFFERENT NEEDS OF FAMILY MEMBERS 

8. Managing sensitive conversations with children present 

9. Avoiding shame and blame  

10. How to talk about risk