An Introduction to Family Therapy: Systemic Theory and Practice

“Systemic family therapy owes a debt of gratitude to Rudi Dallos and Ros Draper who have delivered a fifth edition of the book that has provided essential scaffolding for systemic family therapists for over two decades. This latest edition holds onto its original, clear, and coherent telling of the development of systemic family therapy.”
Rachel Watson, Institute of Family Therapy, London, UK

“Like a well-constructed remix Rudi Dallos and Ros Draper have provided a tour through the landscape of family therapy and systemic practice, from its historical beginnings through to the here-and-now…I recommend this book without hesitation and reservation. This remix should be “listened to” and returned to many times, as it keeps on giving.”
Dr Ramón Karamat Ali, MSc Research Lead, Manchester, UK; Director of Training and Development at KA Conversations Ltd.

“With genuine enthusiasm, I wholeheartedly recommend An Introduction to Family Therapy, 5th edition by Dallos & Draper.”
Dr Sonam Pelden, Academic Lead for Counselling, School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University, Australia

The fifth edition of the bestselling An Introduction to Family Therapy provides a comprehensive overview of the core concepts informing family therapy and systemic practice, covering the development of this innovative field from the 1950s to the present day.

The book considers both British and International perspectives and includes the latest developments in current practice, regulation and innovation, examining these developments within a wider political, cultural and geographical context. The fully revised fifth edition also contains new material on:


Developments in Neuropsychology and Trauma Theory and its relevance for family therapy practice
Illustrations of the techniques of the core schools of Family Therapy
Updates on the research basis of Family Therapy

This book is key reading for students and practitioners of family therapy and systemic practice as well as those from the fields of counselling, psychology, social work and the helping professions who deal with family issues.

Rudi Dallos is Emeritus professor of Clinical Psychology, University of Plymouth, External examiner D. Clin. Psychology University Canterbury, Christ Church, External examiner, University of Roehampton. He presents training courses for the Institute of Family Therapy and Bowlby Centre London on a yearly basis. He also leads on a variety of training events – Relate UK, Australian FT association, Holland family therapy association, Associations for Family Therapy Ireland, Jersey and Plymouth. He offers clinical supervision in a variety of contexts including Gloucester Eating Disorder Services, Formulation Psychotherapy centre Dublin and Art therapies Ireland. Rudi is working independently as a family therapist and offer an early intervention service in Devon.

Ros Draper is an independent family therapist with decades of experience in practice including working as an organisational consultant, working therapeutically with individuals, couples, families and groups as well as working as a supervisor for therapists and coaches.