Family Systemic Therapy

The Family & Systemic therapeutic intervention is based on the observation of how the client relates to his or her family and aims to modify, through a co-construction process between therapist and individual/family, the dysfunctional models present in the context within which the patient’s problem has emerged, stimulating family strengths and improving both individual and family functioning.

In systemic individual therapy, the therapist’s attention is directed to the relational and interactive dimension of the client. In some cases this type of approach is a natural continuation of a family or couple path, aimed at dealing with “private issues” that the patient prefers to face individually.

Why Systemic?

The problem presented by the person is read not so much as the problem of the individual, but as an expression of discomfort of one of the systems of belonging.

Why Relational?

Individual identity is considered as the result of the meaningful relationships that the person has build throughout his life; therefore, any problem is not read and treated as an individual, but as an outcome of relational experiences.
The purpose of therapy is to find different relational ways with the systems of belonging.

Who can benefit?

The systemic-relational approach is proved to be useful for people who believe they have difficulties in specific relationships (as a couple, as a parent, at work, etc.). In particular, it can be useful for children and / or adolescents to present evolutionary problems.
This approach is therefore not purely aimed at treating the symptom presented but at the relational situations that generated it.

Theoretical Background

This approach spread in the USA during the 1950s, in particular thanks to the theories of first and second cybernetics and the theory of systems of Von Bertanlaffy. The Mental Research Institute of Paolo Alto and its members ( Bateson, Jackson, Haley and Watzlawick), was the main centres of development for this approach. In Europe became widespread during the 1980s, thanks to the work of Selvini Palazzoli, Boscolo and Cecchin.

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