Systemic Therapy

Systemic Therapy: Addressing Problems through Relationships and Systems

Systemic Therapy is an approach that views individuals not in isolation but as part of a broader system, such as a family, community, or workplace. This type of therapy focuses on the dynamics and interactions between people within these systems and how these interactions influence individual behaviours, emotions, and mental health. By addressing the system as a whole, systemic therapy can promote more sustainable and meaningful change.

At 24hr Therapy, although we don’t exclusively offer systemic therapy, we provide Integrative Counselling, CBT, and other therapeutic approaches that focus on relationships and the impact of systems on mental health. These therapies can help individuals and families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and achieve better overall well-being.

How Does Systemic Therapy Work?

In systemic therapy, the therapist works with the client or clients to explore the relationships, communication styles, and behaviours that may be contributing to the challenges they face. The process typically involves the following steps:

Assessment: The therapist begins by understanding the nature of the problem and the context in which it arises. This often involves discussing the family dynamics or interactions within the relevant system.
Exploring Relationships: The therapist works with the client to explore the relationships within the system and how they might influence the individual’s issues.
Identifying Patterns: The therapist identifies recurring patterns in behaviour, communication, and conflict that may be contributing to the problem.
Intervention: Through various techniques, the therapist aims to disrupt negative patterns and promote healthier interactions. This may include reframing problems, enhancing communication skills, or encouraging more adaptive behaviours.
Building Solutions: The therapist works with the clients to implement practical strategies for resolving conflicts, improving communication, and building stronger relationships.

Systemic therapy focuses on both short-term and long-term goals, working with clients to not only address immediate issues but also to strengthen the system’s resilience to future challenges.

What is Systemic Therapy?

Systemic therapy, often referred to as family therapy or couple therapy when focused on these units, involves addressing the relationships and patterns of behaviour within a system. Rather than focusing on the individual’s problem in isolation, systemic therapy looks at how patterns of interaction, roles, and relationships within a system may contribute to the issue.

Key aspects of systemic therapy include:

Focus on Relationships

Systemic therapy emphasises how individuals are influenced by and, in turn, influence their relationships with others.

Holistic Approach

This approach acknowledges that an individual’s problem is often linked to the wider system they are part of, be it a family, workplace, or community.

Understanding Patterns

Systemic therapy looks at recurring patterns of behaviour within the system that may be maintaining or exacerbating the issue.

Emphasis on Change

The goal of systemic therapy is not just to understand problems but to change the dynamics within the system to improve well-being.

Who Can Benefit from Systemic Therapy?

Systemic therapy is ideal for individuals, couples, or families who are struggling with relational problems, communication breakdowns, or issues within a larger system, such as work or social settings. It is particularly effective for those dealing with:

Family Conflicts: Disagreements or breakdowns in communication among family members can often be resolved by addressing underlying systemic patterns.
Relationship Issues: Couples facing difficulties in communication, trust, or conflict resolution can benefit from systemic therapy to better understand their relationship dynamics and work toward improvement.
Parenting Struggles: Parents struggling to manage difficult behaviours in children or resolve conflicts within the family unit can benefit from systemic therapy to understand family patterns and develop healthier strategies.
Workplace Issues: Teams or organisations facing dysfunction or communication barriers may use systemic therapy to improve collaboration and team dynamics.
Mental Health Problems: Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues can often be exacerbated by dysfunctional family or social systems, and addressing these systems can help improve outcomes.

Why Choose Systemic Therapy?

Improves Communication: By focusing on relationships and dynamics, systemic therapy improves communication skills, fostering healthier interactions.

Addresses Root Causes: Rather than focusing solely on individual symptoms, systemic therapy addresses the root causes of relational issues, which can lead to longer-lasting change.

Promotes Collaborative Problem-Solving: Clients work together with the therapist to identify solutions, making it a collaborative and empowering process.

Flexible and Adaptable: Systemic therapy can be applied to various systems, including families, couples, and workplaces, offering flexible solutions to a wide range of issues.

Proven Effectiveness: Research supports the effectiveness of systemic therapy in improving mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Research Supporting Systemic Therapy

Systemic therapy is supported by extensive research that demonstrates its effectiveness in addressing a range of issues, particularly in family and relationship settings. Studies have shown that systemic therapy can lead to improvements in mental health, interpersonal relationships, and overall well-being.

A study published in Family Process found that systemic therapy was highly effective in reducing family conflict and improving communication between family members. Additionally, the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy found that systemic therapy contributed to significant improvements in relationship satisfaction, reducing stress and conflict for couples and families.

Further studies have demonstrated that systemic therapy can help improve coping skills, resolve conflict, and reduce the symptoms of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. These positive outcomes have been observed across a wide range of populations, from children to adults.

You can explore more about these studies through reputable sources like Family Process here and the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy here.

How 24hr Therapy Can Support You through Systemic Challenges

While 24hr Therapy does not exclusively offer systemic therapy, our Integrative Counselling services incorporate principles from systemic therapy to support individuals, couples, and families. Whether you are facing relationship difficulties, work-related stress, or family issues, our therapists work with you to understand the patterns at play and develop practical solutions to improve your interactions and overall mental health.

We also offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which, when combined with an understanding of systemic dynamics, can help individuals break free from negative thought patterns and improve their relationships.

With 24/7 access to therapy, you can get the support you need when dealing with challenging relationship dynamics or systemic issues, ensuring you’re not facing these challenges alone.

Systemic Therapy