Systemic therapy

Systemic therapy examines how people are influenced by the relationships, families, communities and wider systems around them. Difficulties are understood as patterns between people rather than as the fault of one individual. Therapy can help those involved communicate differently, recognise their mutual influence and make changes that support the whole system.

What sessions may involve

Mapping relationships and wider contexts, hearing multiple perspectives and experimenting with changes in interaction.

What it may suit

May suit concerns shaped by family, caregiving, school, work, culture or other systems around a person.

Delivery and fit

Sessions can include individuals, couples, families or networks. Consent, confidentiality and unequal power need explicit attention.

Evidence and uncertainty

Systemic interventions have evidence for selected family and mental-health contexts, but the suitable format varies.

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