The Development of Systemic Family Therapy for Changing Times in the United Kingdom

In sketching the position of couples and family therapy and systemic practice in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK) we have provided what we can of the development of the contexts of training and practice; the content of some of the theories and their applications; and the external realities within which we currently operate. The UK has a well developed structure for training and practice in systemic couples and family therapy. The history is of enthusiastic adoption of therapies from international sources which are generally then incorporated into an overarching systemic framework. Family therapy in the UK is currently subjected to a variety of pressures but is well regulated and is in a strong position to continue making its contribution to the welfare of families.