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Emotions and the Therapist: A Systemic-Dialogical Approach

Author(s) : Paolo Bertrando

Reviews and Endorsements

‘What a long way systemic thinking has travelled from the days in which the topics of emotions and the intimate involvement of the therapist in the process of therapy were largely “off the agenda”. It is a pleasure to read the latest development of Paolo Bertrando’s thinking and practice focusing on emotions and the therapeutic relationship. Set within a contemporary systemic frame that blends dialogical understandings, the discussion begins from the premise that emotions always come from somewhere and always go somewhere, and that they emerge within relationships while simultaneously being experienced at an intimate and individual level. This book offers original and creative orientations to emotions within family relationships and to the emotions of the therapist, as well as ways of thinking about (and working with) patterns that emerge between family members and within the therapeutic relationship. Bertrando’s work is a feast of ideas about theory and practice, and his extended discussions of his own practice experience are fascinating and inspiring.’
- Carmel Flaskas, Honorary Asssociate Professor, School of Social Sciences, UNSW, Australia

‘After the “linguistic turn”, now it is time for the “affective turn” in the field of marital and family therapy. It seems that language, narratives and stories are no longer the central focus of family therapists’ discussions and reflections – emotions are. This book provides a refreshingly different approach to emotions than we are used to. Emotions are not viewed as deep-rooted, biological, inner experiences. They are systemic and dialogical: they are shared and exist between people. Bertrando uses this perspective on emotions as a lens to look at the complexity of his practice as a systemic therapist. It is a rich, fascinating and original book, placing not only emotions, but also the therapist (with his/her emotions) centre stage. Scholarly as well as accessible, it will appeal to both the academic and the practitioner.’
- Peter Rober, PhD, family therapist and trainer at Context (UPC KU Leuven, Belgium) and full professor at Leuven University, Belgium