Epistemology, Reflexivity and Authenticity

The book aims to explore the perceptions, opinions
and experiences of family therapy practitioners with
regard to the epistemological shifts in family
therapy theory and intervention, reflecting team
practice, and the development of the
personal/professional self. The evolution of family
therapy from first-order cybernetics to the
postmodern theoretical environment potentially
impacts on the capacity for reflexivity and
authenticity in practice. The multiplicity of
approaches to family therapy necessitates an
awareness of one s chosen paradigm, and understanding
of the potential impact of the self of the
practitioner upon the therapeutic encounter with a
client family. A theory or theories that represent a
personal embodiment for the practitioner are more
likely to be experienced as authentic to the self of
that practitioner and thus impact positively on the
development of the therapeutic relationship with the
client family. The significance of this therapeutic
relationship with regard to healing is well
documented in the literature. The capacity of the
practitioner for reflexivity regarding the
development of the personal and professional self is
both essential and ongoing.

Autorentext
Sue Cook, lecturer in Social Work, University of Plymouth. Obtained BA(SS) degree majoring in Social Work and Psychology (University of South Africa 1998); MA(SW) degree specialising in mental health Social Work (University of Pretoria 2002); DPhil (Social Work, University of Pretoria 2006) in the theoretical and practice arena of family therapy.

Klappentext
The book aims to explore the perceptions, opinions and experiences of family therapy practitioners with regard to the epistemological shifts in family therapy theory and intervention, reflecting team practice, and the development of the personal/professional self. The evolution of family therapy from first-order cybernetics to the postmodern theoretical environment potentially impacts on the capacity for reflexivity and authenticity in practice. The multiplicity of approaches to family therapy necessitates an awareness of one's chosen paradigm, and understanding of the potential impact of the self of the practitioner upon the therapeutic encounter with a client family. A theory or theories that represent a personal embodiment for the practitioner are more likely to be experienced as authentic to the self of that practitioner and thus impact positively on the development of the therapeutic relationship with the client family. The significance of this therapeutic relationship with regard to healing is well documented in the literature. The capacity of the practitioner for reflexivity regarding the development of the personal and professional self is both essential and ongoing.