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Currents in psychotherapy – systemic current
Modern psychotherapy is an extremely diverse field, with many different approaches and currents. Each has its own unique premises, therapeutic techniques and outreach. Some of these approaches are more suitable for treating specific disorders, while others focus on personal growth and reaching one’s full potential. In addition, they can vary in the length of the therapeutic process – from very short, to therapies lasting up to seven years.
In this article, we’ll take a look at one of these fascinating currents – the systemic current – and find out what its assumptions are, its goals, the problems it solves, what therapy meetings look like, and for whom it is dedicated.
What is the systemic current and what are its assumptions?
The systems trend is based on the belief that every individual exists in a network of relationships with other people (systems), and these relationships have a key impact on how we function. We often hear the saying that “man is a social being” , and systemic therapy follows suit, exploring these relationships and the factors that influence them. For example, the difficulties of one family member may affect the entire family, and not necessarily be due to that person’s internal characteristics. The same is true for partnerships – problems between partners can stem from past experiences, traumas, or even relationships in the family.
What does the therapeutic process look like in the systemic stream?
During therapy sessions, the therapist plays a key role. His job is to participate, listen and ask pertinent questions to help understand the relationships and behavioral patterns in a family or partnership. It is important for the therapist to remain completely neutral with the participants to allow for openness and honesty during the session.
System therapists introduce a variety of therapeutic techniques that demonstrate alternative ways of understanding problems and conflicts. These can be exercises that help you see the situation from a different perspective, or communication techniques that will improve the dialogue between therapy participants.
Systemic therapy is usually a short-termtherapy . Often meetings of this kind last from six months to two years. Regular sessions are held every 2-3 weeks to give participants time to think about and implement the conclusions and changes resulting from the therapy.
What is the purpose of systemic therapy?
The goal of systemic therapy is to understand, analyze and improve interpersonal relationships and behavioral patterns in the larger social context, with the aim of building healthy relationships, changing uncooperative patterns of interaction, resolving conflicts and difficulties, increasing self-awareness, and making positive changes at multiple levels of functioning of the entire social system.
Want to learn more about the goals of systemic note therapy according to different schools? Click here.
Exactly what problems does the systemic current solve?
During systemic therapy, you can solve a variety of problems and difficulties related to interpersonal relationships and functioning in a particular social system. The systemic current is particularly effective in working on problems that affect the entire family or partnership.
Here are some of the problems for which systemic therapy can be helpful:
- Family conflicts – working with a therapist can help understand and resolve family tensions and conflicts, improve communication and mutual understanding.
- Problems in partnerships – systemic therapy can help resolve relationship difficulties, increase intimacy, build emotional connection and foster mutual support.
- Parenting problems – a therapist can help parents cope with the challenges of parenting, bad behavior, crying and communication.
- Trauma and family crises – therapy can provide support in overcoming difficulties after a traumatic event or crisis such as chronic illness, addiction, or death of a family member.
- Mental and emotional disorders – the systemic stream can be an effective tool in working on mental and emotional problems that can affect all family members, partners, or other members of a particular system.
For whom is systemic therapy appropriate?
Systemic therapy is primarily aimed at families that are struggling with difficulties and troubles (which is why it is mainly used in family therapy). However, this is not a limitation – this therapy can also be helpful for couples who are facing problems in their relationship. Whether it’s communication difficulties, parenting difficulties, crises or other challenges, the systemic stream can prove to be an effective tool to solve these problems.
Do you read this article and conclude that the system trend is not for you after all? Learn about the other trends: psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and Gestalt.
