ABSTRACT
The principles for an integrative approach to the practice of family therapy are presented here (Carr 2000b; Carr and McNulty in press a). This approach to practice, particularly the formulation of exceptions, has been informed by the literature on resilience (Haggerty et al. 1994; Luthar 2003; Luthar et al. 2000; Luthar and Cicchetti 2000; Rutter 1999, 2000) and developments within the positive psychology movement (Carr 2004; Snyder and Lopez 2002). The way this approach helps parents develop hopeful narratives about themselves, their children and their lives is shown, and the chapter closes with an example of family work which illustrates this approach.
