ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book explains the paradoxical problem of contrasting clinical consultation with systems consultation. The point is they are both forms of systems consultation, one, as said, paying attention to the systems within, including individual psychic systems, and the other to external systems, including the psychology of relationships and institutions. The special strength and role of systems consultation is in between, in the gaps between the arbitrary, institutionalised distribution of specialties, special perspectives and special interests. There should be more insistence on having available whatever time the work takes – including whatever kind of supervision or personal or team consultation it takes to keep the work intelligently and thoughtfully on track and those involved in good shape. Systems consultation tracks back through the mess and the complexity to look for anything that could be better understood or usefully be changed.
