The Dialogical Therapist

Several good books exist about systemic understanding in therapy and a few about dialogic understanding. However, none try to bridge the gap between these two world views, which have some similarities, but also a whole array of differences. This book is an attempt to find a bridge.According to systemic theory, we exist only in and because of the network of relationships we are embedded in. In dialogic theory, we inhabit different worlds, and we need dialogue (we need engaging in that hard struggle that is proper dialogue) in order to make them communicate with each other. Putting these different views together poses problems but provides a good dialogic exercise too. The author found it increasingly necessary as he felt more and more uncomfortable with the more conventional versions of Batesonian systemic wisdom he had adopted in previous years. At the same time he did not feel convinced by some of the new ideas about dialogue, where one was compelled to get rid of everything one thought valuable in systemic understanding.

Several good books exist about systemic understanding in therapy and a few about dialogic understanding. However, none try to bridge the gap between these two world views, which have some similarities, but also a whole array of differences. This book is an attempt to find a bridge.According to systemic theory, we exist only in and because of the network of relationships we are embedded in. In dialogic theory, we inhabit different worlds, and we need dialogue (we need engaging in that hard struggle that is proper dialogue) in order to make them communicate with each other. Putting these different views together poses problems but provides a good dialogic exercise too. The author found it increasingly necessary as he felt more and more uncomfortable with the more conventional versions of Batesonian systemic wisdom he had adopted in previous years. At the same time he did not feel convinced by some of the new ideas about dialogue, where one was compelled to get rid of everything one thought valuable in systemic understanding.