Systemic Therapy: Basics of Family Work and Counseling

This book offers a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of systemic therapy and counseling. It provides a solid foundation in systems thinking, shifting the focus from linear cause-and-effect to circular interdependencies within social systems. Readers will learn about the core attitudes of the systemic approach, such as all-partiality, curiosity, and appreciation as the basis for a cooperative client relationship.
The content is structured to guide you from theoretical basics to practical application. A significant portion is dedicated to the craft of systemic work, detailing methods for conducting conversations, from clarifying the initial mandate and defining goals to utilizing techniques like active listening and reframing. A key focus is on systemic questioning in action, exploring the use of circular, scaling, and hypothetical questions to open up new perspectives and co-construct solutions. The application of practical tools like the family board, genograms, and timelines is also explained.
The book then delves into the specific context of family therapy a systemic integration. It addresses how to structure therapeutic settings, involve relevant family members, and navigate different alliances within the family system. You will find detailed descriptions of interventions aimed at strengthening parental subsystems, addressing transgenerational patterns, and renegotiating family rules.
Furthermore, the text extends its scope to other professional fields, such as systemic coaching in organizational contexts, covering process support for teams and leaders. It also touches upon advanced topics like systemic mediation and the development of a personal counseling competence through supervision and intervision. This work serves as a detailed guide for students, trainees, and professionals seeking to understand and apply the systemic approach in therapy, counseling, and coaching.