Systemic therapy
What is systemic therapy?
Systemic therapy is a psychotherapeutic method which, in contrast to other forms of psychotherapy, focuses on the social context of mental disorders. In particular, it looks at the interactions between family members and the social environment. These are considered from the point of view of the development of mental disorders, but also the possibility of overcoming them.
In systemic therapy, it is assumed that a person acts with and in his or her environment and behaves there in a way that seems subjectively “meaningful”. One tries to grasp these so-called “circular processes” between biological, psychological and social factors.
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Family therapy
In family therapy, the family is involved in solving the psychological problems. Difficulties that at first seem to affect only a single family member are often rooted in (underlying) conflicts within the family or are intensified by them. The family therapist helps to uncover and resolve hidden conflicts and to deal with each other openly and respectfully. However, the therapy does not aim at making the family responsible for the problems. Rather, it is about identifying unfavourable interactions and looking for solutions.
In addition, family therapy can be helpful when changes in the family system create difficulties. For example, family therapy can support a family when parents divorce or die, or when a new partner joins the family after a separation.
Individual therapy
Individual systemic therapy aims at a better understanding of oneself and of past and present relationships. Although it takes place in an individual setting, the client’s environment is always taken into account in the reflection.
Individual therapy is useful when one wants to work on oneself in a protected setting, to develop oneself or when it is not possible to involve the family or partner.
There are many systemic methods that can be very useful for therapeutic work in an individual setting to deal with issues such as anxiety, depression, self-doubt, loss of bearings, difficulties in forming or maintaining relationships etc.
Couple therapy
Systemic couple therapy is about examining the dynamics of the relationship between the partners and working on common goals and desired changes.
This may involve, for example, topics such as communication, mutual appreciation, trust or a common direction in life for the couple. Couples therapy is suitable for chronic and recurring conflicts within the couple that cannot be resolved by the couple themselves.
It can be useful to deal with the partners’ family of origin, even if it is not present. Often there are patterns that are passed on from the family and that influence the current relationship.
“It is undoubtedly frustrating when you realise that you are not making any progress on your path and are running into a wall.
However, it is in such situations that the unexpected can happen. Take advantage of these inevitable deviations. Often they give things a new direction.”
Paul Wilson