Cultivating Systemic Resilience in Therapy: Applications and Interventions for Families, Relationships, and Individuals

Therapists intuitively know that the families, partnerships, and individuals they treat have strengths, but may not know how to identify or utilize them. This edited collection aims to help therapists understand and apply concepts of systemic resilience in clinical practice, supporting them in conceptualizing cases, treatment planning, and developing supportive therapeutic relationships.

Christie Eppler, PhD, brings together a collection of voices to provide comprehensive guidance on what systemic resilience is and how therapists can enhance the lives and relationships of their clients. Based on contemporary training standards, this text emphasizes practice-based applications and focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Chapters address how to foster resilience in clinical treatment with individual and relational clients, supervisees, and in the therapist’s own life. With case studies, clinical activities, interventions, and reflective questions throughout, this approachable text will help therapists empower their clients. This book demonstrates to practicing and established therapists how connections, community involvement, shared visions and a sense of purpose, and healthy relationships can promote growth, healing, and transformation.

This is essential reading for students and professionals in counseling, clinical social work, and marriage and family therapy.

Christie Eppler, PhD, LMFT is program director and professor of Seattle University’s Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy. She is an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor. The focus of her clinical practice, teaching, and research is systemic resilience, justice, and narrative therapy.

Raquel Martin, PhD, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, professor, and scientist at Tennessee State University. The focus of her clinical practice, teaching, and research is liberation psychology, Black identity development, and Black mental health. Dr. Martin has cultivated an online community of over 1 million followers.