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The social constructionist ideas currently reshaping the practice of family therapy are also relevant for supervision. However, if, as postmodernists assert, there is no privileged, expert position, how can supervisors evaluate their trainees? This question-a most pertinent one for university-based supervision, where evaluation is necessary and constant-is addressed both theoretically and pragmatically in this article. Ethical issues are explored, and an evaluation form, developed by the authors for use in a family therapy doctoral program, is presented and discussed.

Solution-focused letter writing has been used to provide clients a means of connecting sessions, focusing on strengths, and working toward positive change. In addition, the therapeutic use of letter writing may help therapists themselves refocus on hope. This article details how solution-focused letter writing was used in a university-based practicum to both facilitate change with clients and train beginning therapists. Letter writing was helpful to team and therapist as well as to clients. The use of therapeutic letter writing to facilitate change for clients has been widely documented, both in the narrative (Epston, 1994) and the solution-focused traditions (Nunnally & Lipchik, 1989; Shilts & Ray, 1991). Letters are labeled therapeutic when they are client-centered, future-oriented, hopeful, and realistic (Goldberg, 2000). Written to enhance the positive aspects of face-to-face therapy, letters summarize meetings, link people and events, contain metaphoric language, and help turn ideas into interventions. Through hearing and reading scripted reflections and suggestions, clients can validate, expand, and engage in auxiliary

The "miracle question" is one of the most recognizable features of the solution-focused model. Yet, too often, it is asked in a rigid, formalized manner. We will argue that, like all therapeutic techniques, the miracle question is more effective when developed collaboratively with the client. Case illustrations will be presented to demonstrate this approach.

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