Systemic Family Therapy

Karl Tomm (1988)

Lineal Assumptions

Systemic Family Therapy

Leading

Questions

Problem

Definition

Questions

Lineal

Intent

Strategic

Questions

Hypothesising

Confrontation

Questions

Problem Explanation

Questions

The Genogram

Introduction

Orientating

Intent

Influencing

Intent

• Systemic Therapy is a relational form of psychotherapy for working with families with various bio-psychosocial difficulties.

Behavioural effect

Questions

Hypothetical

Future Questions

• Focuses on family patterns of interaction, belief systems, multiple stories, or narratives, and pays attention to the patterns of connection between one individual and another

Difference

Questions

Observer Perspective

Questions

Reflexive

Questions

Circular

Questions

• The primary purpose is to create healthy and adaptive change in relationships

Circular

Assumptions

Solution focused

Reflexive Questions

Karl Tomm (1998) Interventive Interviewing Part III. Intending to ask Lineal, Circular, Strategic, or Reflexive questions . Vol 27 No 1 Family Process

Circularity

Action methods

Sculpting

Historical Context

Interventive Interviewing

• Our current thinking within systemic therapy was developed from 1971 to 1975, using the systemic strategic approach of the Mental Research Institute (MRI) of Palo Alto.

multiple realities

• In the 1980's the Milan Systemic Approach is based mainly on Gregory Batesons cybernetic epistemology

• The Milan Team (Selvini-Palzzoli, Boscolo, Chechin focused on hypothesising, circularity, neutrality Checchin later transformed the latter to curiosity.

Therapeutic letters

(1987) Chechin M.D.T. Hypothesising, Circularity, and Neutrality Revisited An Invitatation to Curiosity. Vol 26 No4 Family Process

Curiosity

CMM theory

Systemic Therapy Practice

Systemic Models

• The therapist uses a genogram, and prefers to ask questions, using a style of questions for example circular questions

• Narrative Therapy

• Solution Focus Therapy

Deconstruction

White, M. & Epston, D (1990). Narrative means to therapeutic ends. New York: Norton

Developed by Steve de Shazer, and Insoo Kim Berg and their colleagues beginning in the late 1970’s in America

• Retains a curiosity to the meanings each person gives for theirs and each others behaviour, communications, or their interactions.

• Will not see any one position within the family as a definitive not even their own.

• Strategic Therapy

• Structural Therapy

• Will co-create the hypothesis with the young person and family.

Milton Erickson was very influential in the development of strategic therapy around the 1950's/1960's

Munchin, S. et al, 1967 Families of the slums: An exploration of their structure and treatment. New York: Basic Books.

• Will consider diversity, social difference, power and afford neutralty

• Often just one or two conversation can help a young person tell a different story, and develop new meanings.

Story Telling

Narrative Therapy

The Foundation and Intermediate Systemic course

Enactments

Foundation:

- 14 taught study days and 120 hours of private study

- 1 presentation on a key systemic text, 1 written assignment and a portfolio

Intermediate

(Need to have completed Foundation Level first)

Life Cycles

Safe Uncertainty

- 15 taught study days and 120 hours of private study

- 2 presentation on key systemic texts, 2 written assignment and a portfolio

Next Steps if interested?

Social Constructivism

- Speak to your line manager

- Contact Katie Ship (Course Administrator) on ftfoundationcourse@gmail.com for an

application form

- Apply to Sussex Learning and Development Department. 2 places funded

Neutrality

Strategic

Social GRAACCCES