ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the therapeutic relationship within systemic approaches. It establishes a substantial and innovative contribution to placing the topic of the therapeutic relationship within the formal discourse of the systemic therapies. The relationship between family and therapist came across in the literature as one of observer/observed, charismatic leader/led, teacher/taught, doer/done-to. One significant influence on the sort of relationship offered to clients by systemic therapists has been the existence of the team behind the screen. The team itself had a relationship of sorts with the family. It offered messages of support and encouragement, challenges, expert opinion, dire warnings, either in strategic agreement or disagreement with the therapist. The therapeutic approach will determine in part the sort of relationship that is offered to the clients and expect from them. Therapists vary in their personal qualities and how these develop over time.
