The title of this presentation is from a poem by the Irish Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney in which he expresses the desire that history can be rewritten, and that 'hope and history rhyme'. The presentation will explore the conditions that could contribute to transforming this hope into a possibility, in the face of histories of conflict and against the backdrop of suspicion, hatred and fear.

Families in Northern Ireland have experienced the effects of civil conflict (the 'Troubles') for the last thirty five years, the basis of which must be understood in terms of the legacies of past centuries of animosity between two communities that live alongside each other. Identity is defined in terms of both religious and political allegiances, with loyalty to one's own group expressed through robust rejection of the other. Despite efforts at both local and international levels, to right wrongs and establish a more equitable society for all, the undertow of sectarian violence continues to threaten attempts at moving towards the reconciling of differences. The reasons for the continuing community violence, despite ostensibly being in a 'post-conflict' phase, are to be found in the toxic mix of fear and revenge.

Drawing on both clinical work in a specialist, systemically informed mental health service for families affected by the 'Troubles' and involvement with community groups, the presentation will consider these questions:

- In what ways does the therapeutic work with families both reflect and amplify the wider pre-occupations of a society struggling with issues of justice and reconciliation.

- What are the challenges for the systemic therapist when the traumatic experiences brought by families for help have been generated by continuing communal conflict and division.

- What resources can be harnessed to develop resilience, and thus complement and extending our therapeutic work with families.

The presentation concludes with reflections on what can be done to help heal past hurts and empower families and communities to move beyond revenge