Interacting Selves

Arlene Vetere is professor of family therapy and systemic practice at Diakonhjemmet University College, Oslo, Norway; visiting professor of clinical psychology at Universita degli Studi di Bergamo, Italy; and affiliate professor of family studies at the University of Malta. She is a chartered clinical psychologist and systemic psychotherapist, and systemic supervisor, registered in the UK.Peter Stratton is emeritus professor of family therapy at Leeds University and Leeds Family Therapy & Research Centre, a systemic psychotherapist who is qualified in psychodynamic psychotherapy. He is a developmental psychologist with broad research interests and involvement in statutory processes that affect families. He is a chartered psychologist; Fellow of the British Psychological Society; UKCP accredited family therapist; and AFT accredited family therapy supervisor.

• Vetere, Stratton, Hanks, Jensen, Polychroni, Sheehan, Prologue and Introduction: Why we Wanted to Write This Book. Stratton, Hanks, PPD as Processes of Learning that Enable the Practitioner to Create a Self Equipped for Higher Levels of Professional Mastery. Jensen, Mind the Map: Circular Processes Between the Therapist, the Client, and the Therapist’s Personal Life. Hedvig Vedeler, Supervision: Present Within Movements. Hanks, Vetere, Working at the Extremes: The Impact of Doing the Work on us. Kohnstamm, Vetere, A Supervisor’s Progression: From Personal and Professional Development Training in Group Settings to the Inclusion of the Self of the Therapist in Supervision. Vetere, Dallos, Supervision and Attachment Narratives: Using an Attachment Narrative Approach in Clinical Supervision. Sheehan, Self and World: Narrating Experience in the Supervisor/Supervisee Relationship. Stratton, Vetere, Hanks, Hedvig Helmer Vedeler, Jensen, Polychroni, Sheehan, Conclusion: Consolidation, Celebration and Momentum.

The central premise of the book is that continuing professional development (PDD) is about learning. It present material and application activities that are suitable for trainees, practitioners, supervisors and consultants in maintaining or advancing their knowledge and skills for their psychotherapy work across a number of contexts. The book focuses on personal application with case examples and exercises that invite readers to reflect upon their own ways of working and to contemplate and enhance what they do. The book succeeds in its purpose. The book is practical, engaging, and readable. I recommend it highly! - D. Russell Crane, PhD, Professor of Family Therapy, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA. Editor Contemporary Family Therapy: An International JournalArlene Vetere and Peter Stratton give us a new, enjoyable and useful perspective on an often overlooked dimension in systemic training and practice. Bringing together different voices and expertise, they offer an account of personal and professional development that is both comprehensive and experiential: each author adds to each chapter practical exercises that transform mere reading in a proper learning and personal experience, thus perfectly reflecting the subject and purpose of the text. An essential reading for any trainer and supervisor, both within and outside the systemic field. - Paolo Bertrando, Director, Systemic-Dialogical School of Bergamo, Italy"Who are you as a professional? Where are you coming from and where do you want to go from here? These are the questions on the horizon of each and every word in this book. Securely rooted in systemic understanding, this book offers a rich variety of ideas on professional and personal development (PPD). This book is a treasure trove for therapists, counsellors, trainers, supervisors and consultants from whatever persuasion." - Prof.dr. Peter Rober, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist, KU Leuven, Belgium