In this book, Paolo Bertrando and Claudia Lini provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge overview of the systemic-dialogical approach, adapted to the ever-evolving requirements of modern-day therapy with individuals.

Following on from the field-defining work Systemic Therapy with Individuals, and easily used as a companion, this book introduces a new dialogical approach which will encourage practising therapists to adopt a collaborative and empowered stance in their work. The authors interweave clinical examples and transcripts of sessions collated from over a decade of work to illustrate the applied benefits of this approach in the contemporary therapeutic space. The case studies include work with those experiencing the oppression of patriarchal relationships, social and emotional isolation, physical abuse and pathological shame, reinvigorating and modernising the therapist’s understanding of these lived experiences. Moving from general concepts to practical issues, the book explores queer theory, feminist theory, non-traditional family formats, and the impact of neoliberalism. The holistic and systemic approach will guide the reader to work better with clients from all genders, races and economic situations. Building on the foundations of systemic therapy, the theories develop our understanding of emotions and the body, while Bertrando and Lini introduce the concept of ‘finding one’s place’ as a means of encouraging individual positional responsibility.

Presenting an empathetic and inclusive understanding of contemporary life and psychic experiences, as well as personal, couple and familial relationships, this book provides invaluable techniques on how to conduct sessions, and will benefit students and practitioners of psychotherapy, including systemic family therapists, psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers.

Paolo Bertrando is a psychiatrist and systemic-dialogical therapist based in Milan, Italy. He is the co-director of the Systemic-Dialogical School of Therapy based in Italy and is the author of The Time of Times: A Perspective on Time in Systemic Therapy and Consultation (2019), Emotions and the Therapist: A Systemic-Dialogical Approach (2015) and The Dialogical Therapist: Dialogue in Systemic Practice (2007).

Claudia Lini is a psychologist and systemic-dialogical therapist based in Milan, Italy. She is the co-director of the Systemic-Dialogical School of Therapy. Her main interests are gender issues and creative processes in therapy.