The Network Context of Network Therapy

• Main Author: Andersen, Tom
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University PressNew York 2005
• Subjects: Northern Norway; Northern Sweden
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195159226.003.0013; https://academic.oup.com/book/chapter-pdf/44631101/book_25318_section_192318598.ag.pdf

Abstract The network of mental health teams providing alternative, community-based psychotherapeutic interventions was first started in the north of Norway in the late 1960s and blended in 1988 with a similar network in the north of Finland that had started in the very early 1980s. Therapists from northern Sweden joined the northern Norwegians in 1988 and became part of their training program. From this northern Nordic network a larger network has emerged, including groups from eight countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. All want to develop alternative psychotherapeutic practices when psychotic crises occur, and share an interest in the principles of “open talks” and “network therapy.” This chapter outlines the history of the Nordic northern network. Basic principles for the practice of Open Talks in the network, particularly those that integrate reflecting team practices; the organization of such practices; and the corresponding philosophies, are described. A training program for northern Sweden and northern Norway that corresponds to these practices and philosophy is also discussed.