This study measured the levels of expressed emotion throughout the course of systemic family therapy. Videotapes of the first, second and final sessions of therapy were rated for twelve families, by an independent rater who was not inLVolved in the trratment. Six of the therapies were completed before the study began, and six were rated prospectively. Emotional over-involvement and criticism were found to be significantly reduced from the early stages, while warmth was found to increase later. The findings are discussed in relation to the systemic model.