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Nothing to Fear? Thoughts on the History of Family Therapy and the Potential Contribution of Research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 August 2012

Paul Rhodes*
Affiliation:
University of Sydney
*
Address for correspondence: Clinical Psychology Unit, University of Sydney. p.rhodes@sydney.edu.au
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Abstract

The aim of this plenary address is to advocate for the role that research can play in family therapy, with particular reference to our future as a field in Australia. I will argue: 1) that we have been in transition as a field in the past 15 years or so, from a fairly closed system, to one that is more amenable to holding itself to account through research; 2) that we hold a number of misconceptions about research that need to be explored if we are to continue; 3) that we need to develop a research agenda that is consistent with our values and 4) that there are a host of research methodologies that are consistent with our epistemologies and modes of practice.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2012

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