Abstract
The field of family therapy has burgeoned during the past three decades. Its inception was spontaneous, happening almost simultaneously in several locales as small groups of researchers began to investigate family phenomenon and a few clinicians tried to improve the effectiveness of their therapeutic endeavors. Its dramatic and unique qualities intrigued adventuresome therapists who came to watch the pioneers do family therapy. After a slow start in the 1950s, the rapidity of its growth since 1960 is obvious in the number of conference presentations, journals, workshops, and institutes which are devoted to this topic. This article encapsulates the history and essence of family therapy.
