Systemic Therapy

What is systemic therapy?​

Systemic therapy has its roots in family therapy and constitutes a method of psychotherapy that emerged in the 1950s. At that time, a holistic way of perceiving reality began to flourish, as opposed to the previously dominant linear and analytical one.

It was based on cybernetics and on the general systems theory of the biologist Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1950, 1968), focusing on the system or the whole. According to the systemic perspective, the system is not simply the sum of its parts, but rather a complex of interrelated and interdependent elements. Any change in one element of the system brings about changes in the entire system (Bateson, 1972).

Human systems can include the family, the couple, friends, but also broader ones such as an organization, a community, etc. Systemic therapy approaches the individual as a member of the systems with which they are in constant interaction. Human behavior is explored through the network of interactions within the contexts in which the individual relates, and is not limited to individuality, personal characteristics, and intrapersonal conflicts.

How does the system work?

Each system has its own structure, function, rules, and boundaries. Systems are governed by specific properties, such as interaction, through which a change in one element of the system can bring about change in the entire system. A second property is homeostasis, which refers to the tendency of systems to seek stability and balance. When a deviation is observed, processes are activated with the aim of restoring the system to a state of equilibrium. A third property is circularity, which abolishes the notion of linearity and the cause-and-effect relationship. In circular causality, the relationships among the members of a system go beyond each individual member, as the behaviors of one influence and are also influenced by the behaviors of the other.

 

What are the contemporary influences?

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In the postmodern era, systemic therapy is influenced by the theories of constructivism and social constructionism. According to these, reality is subjective and constitutes a construction. This allows for the development of a more equal relationship between therapist and client. The therapist has their own hypotheses about what is happening with the individual, the family, etc., and through dialogue and the exchange of perspectives with the client, they will contribute to shaping a new system of ideas and a new framework.

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How does systemic therapy work?

In its effort to understand complexity, systemic therapy works on the client’s difficulties and the issues that concern them by making connections between the individual’s inner and outer world. Taking into account the dynamics of relationships and interactions within past and present systems, as well as roles, values, culture, personal history, and childhood experiences, it aims to help the individual understand how their emotions, behaviors, thoughts, and current difficulties are connected to the aforementioned. These connections expand the possibilities for reframing, creating new constructs and narratives of the individual's reality, allowing for the modification of dysfunctional patterns of behavior and communication, promoting profound positive change.

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More information:

 

• EFTA - European Family Therapy Association | Connecting Family Therapists and Trainers

• Schlippe, A. V., & Schweitzer, J. (2008). Handbook of Systemic Therapy and Counseling (B. Ioannidou, Ed.; E. Motaki, Trans.). Thessaloniki: University Studio Press. (Original title: Lehrbuch der systemischen Therapie und Beratung. Original publication year: 2007)