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Conversations on Therapy: Popular Problems and Uncommon Solutions David R. Grove and Jay Haley. New York: W. W. Norton, 1993. pp. 208. ISBN:0-393-70155-7.

This book offers the reader to eavesdrop on Supervisory Conversations between Jay Haley and David Gore on a variety of cases under the chapter headings of empowering fathers, marital contracts, violence and infidelity. Most of the material consists of verbatim transcripts of conversations which, on the one hand have a wonderful immediacy and thus make reading enjoyable but, on the other hand, seem tedious at times when reading through umms, ahhs and redundant conversational prattle. The background of the cases are clearly presented and although the context naturally strikes one as very North American, the issues and problems for therapy are highly relevant for any therapist dealing with complex interpersonal problem situations. The purpose of the book is to lay open for scrutiny the reasons why the system of family or individual and therapist have become stuck, which already would be a helpful exercise but in addition we are privileged "participant observers" in the thought processes leading to a possible solution very much in the strategic mode. As with most well thought out solutions, they seem simple afterwards but anybody who has worked with complex family issues, as most of these cases are, knows that these elegant and yet practical and workable solutions presented in the book are hard to arrive at. The target for therapeutic interventions seems to be on understanding the client's contemporary social relationships, family of procreation or other intimate relationship, and how they connect with the symptoms. In addition, the present and often very powerful meaning of the memory of the family of origin is taken into consideration. The case examples are wide ranging and certainly many of the techniques can be transferred, adapted and generalized. The book helpfully gives follow-up information. The authors are very open about intervention leading also occasionally in unexpected directions. At times Gore, who is the recipient of the supervisory discussions, asks for clarification why certain strategies should be followed—a strategy which is useful. The disadvantage that I would flag up about this book is the lack of any linking of the ideas back to more general theoretical considerations which might have reduced the ease and fun of reading this book but would have made it even more useful and productive for therapists working with families, couples and individuals in their living context. It is thus the equivalent of a very good but highly recommended stocking filler.