Contemporary Issues Facing Families: An Interdisciplinary Dialogue

The rapid social and economic changes, together with the growing diversity and complexity of family life, make it imperative for professionals to redefine the conceptual framework for understanding contemporary families towards more holistic approaches. The present volume brings together the contributions of different academics and practitioners working in various fields of activity: psychology, psychotherapy, sociology, social work, theology, education, medicine and other related disciplines. The deliberate goal of this interdisciplinary dialogue is a shift in the focus of the discourse regarding families from the all-too-common tendency of viewing them in terms of dysfunctions and pathological symptoms towards exploring and celebrating family strengths, resilience, hope and transformation.

Dr. Ileana Carmen Rogobete is a licensed psychologist, psychotherapist, clinical trainer and supervisor. She is the director and founder of the Areopagus Institute of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice in Timisoara, Romania. She holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Cape Town, South Africa and is a member of several international family therapy associations. Dr. Rogobete has a multicultural experience in family therapy training and research as well as in clinical practice with families and couples from various cultural backgrounds. She is involved in several research projects at the University of Cape Town and Cornerstone Institute in South Africa, where she is an associate lecturer and e-course developer in Family and Development Studies. Her publications and research interests focus on contextual approaches to understanding trauma and healing, resilience, family and couple therapy, as well as the self of the therapist. Dr. Alexandru Neagoe is vice-dean of the Faculty of Sociology and Psychology, the West University of Timişoara, Romania, and associate professor of the Social Work Department at the same university. He is also a pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Timişoara and president of the Areopagus Centre for Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture. Dr. Neagoe has published numerous books and articles in the areas of theology, social work and family studies. He holds a BA and a PhD from Brunel University, London, UK, his doctoral thesis being published by Cambridge University Press.

Dr. Alexandru Neagoe is vice-dean of the Faculty of Sociology and Psychology, the West University of Timişoara, Romania, and associate professor of the Social Work Department at the same university. He is also a pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Timişoara and president of the Areopagus Centre for Christian Studies and Contemporary Culture. Dr. Neagoe has published numerous books and articles in the areas of theology, social work and family studies. He holds a BA and a PhD from Brunel University, London, UK, his doctoral thesis being published by Cambridge University Press.