ABSTRACT
In order to be curious about a family as well as actively occupying a neutral non-judgemental position (and certainly not taking sides), it is necessary for the therapist to be present as a `self': to be congruent. This involves being able to make `use of the self'. This ®rstly involves accepting one's self as a fellow human being who is personally offering something more than mere technical professional expertise. This does not negate professional ethical requirements and competencies but adds an extra dimension: personal caring, which is itself contained within the boundary of that professional behaviour. All therapists need to be able to communicate in a genuine way that this particular encounter with this particular family is important to them and that there is a personal commitment to that encounter.
