Systemic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationships between people. The term ‘system’ refers to the fact that everyone is part of social systems, such as a family, school class, or neighborhood. In a social system, people influence one another: thoughts, feelings, expectations, and behavior arise in the interaction with others in the environment. This is a complex process in which misunderstandings and problems can arise: partners may argue about conflicting wishes and desires, a child may develop school anxiety after the parents’ divorce, or a family may struggle with the mental health problems or illness of a family member.
A systemic therapist focuses on the way people interact and communicate with one another, but also on the possible influence of environmental factors such as school, work, neighborhood, religion, and culture. Often, there are also patterns that repeat from generation to generation. Together with the client, the therapist explores what their complaints or problems are related to and who can be involved in the therapy to contribute to change (for example, family members, teachers, or other care providers). The focus here is not on searching for causes, but on searching for possibilities. The goal of the therapy is to strengthen mutual relationships and to seek solutions together. During the sessions, the emphasis may be on changing the way people interact with one another (interaction patterns) or on changing the way the problem is viewed (meaning-making). A systemic therapist focuses not only on problems but also pays attention to the resilience of a system and encourages clients to seek solutions themselves. Sources of support in the client’s environment are actively sought and utilized.
Relationship and family therapy are the most well-known forms of systemic therapy, but parent guidance, individual systemic therapy, or group systemic therapy are also possibilities.
(Source: Lorentzhuis in Haarlem)
For more information:
Dutch Association for Relationship and Family Therapy (NVRG)