Carr, AlanAlanCarr2014-03-122014-03-121990 Wiley1990Journal of Family Therapyhttp://hdl.handle.net/10197/5463Eleven key positions within the social system which evolves around a presenting problem are set out. A catalogue of common mistakes which arise from failing to distinguish between these elements and take account of their significance during the engagement process is presented, along with specific suggestions for avoiding these clinical errors.enThis is the author's version of the following article: Failure in family therapy: A catalogue of engagement mistakes. (1990). Journal of Family Therapy 12 which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j..1990.00403.xClinical errorsSocial systemJournal Article12437138610.1046/j..1990.00403.x2013-10-28https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/