Therapy from a Systemic Perspective
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Couple and family therapy is more than just therapy with multiple family members. To do it right, you must become a systemic thinker and choose a systemic theory of change that fits with your worldview as your road map. See below for a list of the systemic theories and links to videos to learn more.
The Basics
Two of the most fundamental concepts in systemic thinking are circular causality and process over content. To be become a systemic practitioner you will need to internalize these concepts and learn to apply them regardless of your theoretical orientation.
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Circular Causality
Circular causality refers to the reciprocal patterns of influence within family interactions. There is no linear cause and effect. These patters are inextricable and behavior out of context does not provide enough information to effect change in couple and family functioning. As a systemic practitioner you want to focus on how the behaviors, thoughts, and emotional experience of family members are interrelated rather than looking for a clear cause or starting point from which these patterns develop.
Foundational Systemic Theories
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Process over ContentAttending to process over content requires you to look beyond the issues that couples and families fight about to the patterns of interaction between family members. Patterns of interaction reflect and maintain family conflict & disconnection, and are the key to effective systemic treatment. Once you start to recognize patterns in family interactions you can start to highlight and intervening in these patterns rather than merely engaging in conversations that emphasize the content or topic of discussion.
Additional Systemic Theories
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