In this article, the author considers the importance of creativity in the context of family therapy. Therapist characteristics and techniques that might be labeled as creative or associated with the notion of creativity are also examined. The author focuses on the concept of creativity in some prominent theories of counseling and therapy; the relation of divergent thinking to healthy human development and functioning; the dynamic, interactive nature of creativity in therapy; the circumstances in which increased creative abilities in clients is or should be a goal; some threats or blocks to the development and expression of creativity; the role of creativity in training; and the degree to which creativity is linked to the counseling office. As a result of this preliminary discussion, family therapists may be encouraged to further contemplate the role of creativity, both theoretically and pragmatically, in their approach to working with individuals, couples, and families.
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