ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 provides an overview of Integrative Systemic Therapy (IST). After briefly discussing the historical background of IST, the chapter goes on to discuss the theoretical basis of its systemic and integrative nature, including the five pillars that underlie the structure and process of the approach. The chapter describes the essence of problem-solving in IST along with the blueprint for therapy, which is utilized for making and evaluating decisions about the processes of problem-solving and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance. Frameworks that support case conceptualization and intervention are presented, and guidelines for IST practice are specified.
