Although friendship is a major resource for all of us throughout life, it's been relegated to the cultural attic in our therapeutic explorations and interventions. Some therapists believe that friendship is relevant only when family relationships have gone awry. Others think that marriage and family are the only relationships that count for the long haul. Our clinical assessments seldom include questions about our clients' friends, even though having a friend is a major health protector at all phases of life, and the lack of a friend is a major health risk. This workshop will explore the meaning and role of friendship throughout the life cycle of men and women. Through therapeutic case examples, participants will learn practical techniques for assessing and amplifying the healing possibilities of friendships.