ABSTRACT
Chapter 10 builds on previous research about the importance of both giving and receiving feedback in the therapeutic process. In fact, substantial evidence exists showing the degree to which tracking client treatment response benefits clients. It is becoming clearer that clients (particularly if they have trouble engaging) benefit greatly when their response to treatment is formally measured, viewed and responded to by their therapist. The chapter demonstrates how using both formal and informal feedback mechanisms helps therapists and their clients to find new and more helpful directions when systemic therapy is “stuck” or not advancing at optimal rates. The chapter also provides practical guidelines for the reader to begin documenting their own client and therapist practice patterns. By attending to feedback, the therapist's goals shift from becoming an expert in a particular model or therapeutic approach to becoming an effective therapist with specific client systems; that is, helping clients in the best way possible. In this way, we adapt to the client, rather than forcing the client to adapt to our preferred style of working.
