Systemic Theory and Therapy

Systems theory is concerned with the web of connections between persons and world, self and others. Systemic therapy tackles problems arising not within the individual as such, but rather within their wider life: their family and friends, work, and in the social (cultural, political, economic) context. This chapter starts with an introduction to the systemic perspective. As systemic therapy is most commonly associated with family therapy, the chapter examines the values, models and practices of family therapy. Three other concepts in frequent use in family therapy are: identified patient (IP), diads and triads, and conflict detouring. The family systems emphasises how family therapy perspectives locate the problem in the workings of the system rather than at the level of the individual. Finally, the chapter explores some of the extensive research and evidence base of systemic family work.