Successful social work is based on communication (Clark, 2000; Pierson & Thomas, 2000; Thompson, 2010), yet there is little consensus in the field as to what exactly constitutes proper communication (Richards, Ruch, & Trevithick, 2005; Trevithick et al., 2004) and where models of good communication might be found. It is therefore not…

Discusses ways to deal with four common problems in family therapy: phone calls in general; finding the identified patient in individual therapy; the offer of secret revelations; and the role of psychoactive drugs. Presents tactics which succeed in controlling these incidents. (RC)

The metaphorical object can be a useful tool in the hands of the therapist, both to clarify particular communicative modalities and to change the rules on which these are based. These two aspects are not mutually exclusive, but rather are often tightly interwoven. (Author)

Considers debate in field of marriage and family therapy regarding issues of control and noninstrumentality. Contends that therapists must be able to act unconstrictingly yet must take responsibility for their actions. Asserts that believing too strongly in either strategizing or nonintervening in therapeutic process can be constraining. Offers…

Compares the therapist's function to that of a theatrical director who revises a play, the family drama, which the actors continue to recite according to an old script with a foregone conclusion. To achieve his goal, the therapist uses certain contextual elements to construct an alternative 'reading' of events. (Author)

We are delighted to welcome you to the International Psychological Applications Conference and Trends (InPACT) 2016, taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, from 30 of April to 2 of May, 2016. Psychology, nowadays, offers a large range of scientific fields where it can be applied. The goal of understanding individuals and groups (mental functions and…