Synopsis
Several good books exist about systemic understanding in therapy and a few about dialogic understanding. However, none trying 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 bride.

Description
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 a good dialogic exercise too. The author found it increasingly necessary as he felt the longer the more uncomfortable with the more conventional versions of Batesonian systemic wisdom he had adopted in previous years, while at the same time he could not feel convinced by some of the new ideas about dialogue, where one was compelled to get rid of everything she thought valuable in systemic understanding.
Contents
1 Understanding and influencing
2 Text and context
3 Practices and theories
4 Hypotheses and dialogues
5 Therapists and clients
6 Frames and relationship
7 Dialogues and systems
8 Questions and statements
9 Presence and absence
10 Selves and technologies

The Author
Dr Paolo Bertrando MD, PhD psychiatrist and psychotherapist, is on the faculty of the Milan Centre for Family Therapy since 1993. Paolo is the Director of the Episteme Association in Turin, and teaches psychodynamics of family relationships at the Vita-Salute University in Milan. Dr Bertrando is Associate Editor for Italy of the British "Journal of Family Therapy". He is the author of several scientific articles and books including "The Times of Time" (1993) and "Systemic Therapy with Individuals" (1996), both with Luigi Boscolo. His current interests are in the dynamics of systemic therapy, the broader implications of systemic theory, and the use of systemic individual therapy with specific populations.