Wanderings and Crossroads

Tom Andersen was Professor of Social Psychiatry at the Institute of Community Medicine, University of Tromso, Norway, and was the pioneer of reflective processes in therapeutic practices.Magnus Hald is a Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at the Medication Free Treatment Unit, University Hospital of North Norway.Bengt Karlsson is a Professor Emeritus at the University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway.Rolf Sundet is a Professor Emeritus at the University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway.

‘This book is a posthumous gift from Tom Andersen, sensitively edited and compiled by colleagues who knew the man and his work. It is a vitally important volume for anyone continuing to strive to make their practice a mutually humanising process. Tom Andersen movingly elaborates on the history of those ideas and people who inspired and sometimes challenged him. He takes the reader through each step of his professional life, and his continuing search to find peace in his work and peace of mind in his practice together with others.This is a joy to read and a warm reminder of a man who really knew how to listen. Some years ago, Tom said to me, “Listen to your wisdom”. There is much wisdom in the lines of this book that will continue to inspire those open to listening and learning from one of Family Therapy’s greatest pioneers.’Jim Wilson, Independent Systemic Consultant, Author and Trainer, 22/06/25.

• Series editors' foreword Foreword by Harlene Anderson's Foreword Introduction An introduction to the book's content and context Part 1: Professional and historical walks 1. Tom Andersen: lived life, democracy and contexts 2. Historical walks Part 2: Professional crossroads 3. The first experiments and steps 4. The next experiments and steps 5. About reflective teams and processes Part 3: The place and importance of language 6. The power of words - yes, the power of expressions 7. The meanings of expressions in treatment and research Part 4: Descriptions from different practices 8. Descriptions of collaborating practices with patients, families and networks 9. Four practices where language and conversations are central 10. Shared context, shared history and shared culture - practices in the North Calotte