An Introduction to Family Therapy: Systemic Theory and Practice

This book is dedicated to my daughter, Sarah, whose love, generosity, aliveness and forgiveness have taught me so much about family relationships.

I will not try to acknowledge and thank everyone who deserves a mention here, rather those who come to mind as I write, trusting that anyone who feels ignored or overlooked will be forgiving.

My gratitude goes to my teachers, including Margaret Robinson, John Byng-Hall and Lynn Hoffman, who have each in their way profoundly influenced my thinking and practice, and shared generously of their wisdom; and also to David Campbell and many other colleagues (you know who you are) with whom ideas have been developed and honed over the years.

To the families, individuals and couples who have shared their struggles and stories with me I owe an enormous debt, and to the students who have asked me questions and challenged my answers, I am most grateful for the many opportunities you provided for thinking out loud and developing ideas in simple words that make sense to you.

I do not deserve the loyalty and help I get from my secretaries and friends Sue Palfrey and Tracy Woodward, but I hope they know their patience and efficiency is appreciated: without it the manuscript would never have made it to the publishers.

Thank you to Rudi Dallos, my co-author, for patience and the opportunity to collaborate.

Finally, my thanks are due to Open University Press, Hannah Cooper and the team at McGraw-Hill for their professionalism, support and hard work in bringing the book into being. Thank you all.

Ros Draper

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