Laundering good ideas?: Social Work's Relationship With Family Therapy

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between social work and family therapy. To establish reference points for this examination, traditions and ideas about ‘family work’ in social work are outlined. These notions are compared with the assumptions, predominant form of practice and knowledge base of family therapy. The authors conclude from this analysis that it seems likely social work has made a considerable contribution to family therapy and that this possibility has been inadequately investigated. This absence of investigation can be related to the negative community perception of the social work profession.

The probability that a poor community image of social work has become part of the subjective experience of many social workers is examined. Presuming this negative internalisation has occurred, a range of likely consequences is outlined. It is suggested that these consequences are more general than those simply pertaining to social work's relationship to family therapy.