ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with general themes in constructivism and their relationship to postmodern perspectives. It explores how these themes and perspectives are part of brief therapy. The chapter deals with the arrangement of people and activities at the clinic, and early impressions of everyday life at the clinic. Constructivist perspectives are widespread— although not dominant— within Western intellectual life. Constructivist analysts also stress the rhetorical aspects of reality construction. Language is a practical and political resource that constructivist therapists use in fulfilling their professional responsibilities to their clients. The constructivist and postmodern themes in brief therapy are not free, floating ideas, however. The Northland Clinic staffs have moved the clinic twice during the research period, but most of the time the clinic has been located in a central region of the city. The central city office of Northland Clinic was made up of several spaces that were associated with different kinds of activities.
