Recreating Brief Therapy: Preferences and Possibilities (Norton Professional Books) - Hardcover

Peller, Jane E.; Walter, John L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0393703258 ISBN 13: 9780393703252

Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company, 2000

Synopsis

Emerging out of the traditions of Ericksonian, strategic, and solution-focused therapies, this book redescribes and reconceives brief therapy in light of postmodern and pragmatic thinking.

The result is personal consultation, with a focus on conversation and inquiries that gently guide the pursuit of desire. This approach embraces a diversity of longings, goals, and ways of being in the world.

The key question, underlying both the authors' research and their consultative conversations, is 'How can we create a space for dialogue and wonder, where purpose, preferences, and possibilities can emerge?'

This question leads to many others, which form the basis for the chapters of the book. Each inquiry is illustrated by case excerpts that show where this approach diverges from strategic and solution-focused questioning. The situations are difficult--crack addiction, marital separation, suicidal despair, etc.--and yet the consultant's stance of being 'curious with' the client leads to signs of hope and pathways toward a better future. In this pragmatic approach, previously unspoken desires take precedence over goals set by others, and what is preferred becomes possible.

About this title

About the Author:

Jane E. Peller, L.C.S.W., is professor of social work at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago.

John L. Walter, M.S.W., is a well-known therapist and workshop presenter with a private practice in Chicago.

About this edition

• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0393703258
• ISBN 13: 9780393703252
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208