Systemic therapyThe systems approach can be distinguished from others by its attempt to understand interpersonal human relationships. The individual is not analysed in isolation. The psychotherapist also attaches importance to the different levels of influence that operate simultaneously and of which the individual is part (family, professional, social, etc).The individual is influenced both by his intentions, those of others, as well as the possibilities (options) within the environment and system. By evolving/developing in these different contexts, difficulties in relating may appear and may cause tensions, anxiety, depression, conflict, illness/malaise. The psychotherapist is interested in the rules and models for living, in the process of feed-back, in the sought-after objectives, as well as the relevant coping mechanisms and the pressures to change. He observes the methods of communication, the conditions or fact of being congruent, the level of differentiation and commitment at the heart of the system. He is interested in the degree of self questioning which is tolerated, the flexibility of roles and their degree of adaptation to the actual state of the system. The family history affects the individual. The individual carries with him values, emotions and behaviour which are determined by the family often across several generations. The psychotherapist’s aim is to facilitate a process in which each individual is invited to revisit their story or history, allow new meanings to emerge and live new experiences, so ,as to open new horizons and gain different perspectives. The psychotherapist will favour the expression of emotions, desires/wishes, constructive intentions and the effort involved/employed. He will provide the members of the system the opportunity to experience different ways of being, feeling, and interacting with the aim to reduce suffering or free oneself from the problem which led to the request for the consultation, in a way that will reactivate the evolutionary process. See also family therapy |