Systemic therapy: Systemic psychotherapy according to DGSF | family therapy and coaching

Systemic therapy - people in the context of their relationships and social systems. We look at how you are connected to work, family and friends. Your life is therefore a network of such connections. Instead of just focusing on you, we can look at the whole system. This is often necessary to really understand what is bothering you in the first place. We find new solutions and promote healthy and sustainable change. This makes the process particularly effective. Especially for issues that go beyond individual capabilities.

What happens in systemic therapy?

First, the dynamics within a social system are analyzed. These are family, partnerships or other social relationships. The aim is to recognize patterns that are not getting you anywhere. Targeted intervention can then bring about positive changes. 

Coaching focuses on finding solutions and therefore places great emphasis on the here and now. Systemic therapy, on the other hand, addresses deep emotional issues. It deals with stresses and strains that often have their origins in the past. This therapeutic focus makes it special. 

You should therefore pay close attention to what you are looking for. If systemic therapy appeals to you, one thing is important. Find someone who is sufficiently qualified. Then the process can be a great success. Whether it's an eating disorder or other anxiety. Circular behaviors catch you in a kind of circle. In the sessions we want to break out of it. 

Always note which therapies are approved by the G-BA (Federal Joint Committee) and can be billed. Important for the session: Eliminate all disturbances. Then your attention is available. This is particularly important for difficult topics. 

Systemic therapy: possible as a health insurance benefit?

In Germany, systemic therapy is covered by health insurance for adults if it is carried out by a qualified therapist. However, the assumption of costs is dependent on health insurance and a doctor's referral, which is usually required for initiation. You should clarify with your doctor whether behavioral therapy or systemic family therapy is right for you. 

Procedures in systemic therapy and interaction

Systemic therapy works with different methods. In the case of psychological disorders, the process differs from counseling and family therapy. That goes without saying. But what exactly is used?

• RefraimingChanges the view of certain behaviors or events and brings new perspectives. Systemic therapists ask very specific questions. This gives us new perspectives. This flips a lever in our heads. This new perspective now becomes our new way of thinking. 
• Sculpture workRepresentation of relationships in space to make patterns visible and tangible. The client is asked to depict certain situations using sculptures or objects. Much can be recognized in this. 
• Genogram workCreating a „family tree“ to understand historical and current connections. It is therefore a family tree with extensions depending on the aim of the therapy. This exercise also helps to obtain information about the relationships. 
• Circular questionsPromotes insights by asking questions from the perspective of others. You adopt a new perspective. This can help to take the pressure out of emotional issues. But it is always a process. You shouldn't think that something comes naturally. Some things simply take time. 

This is how changes are initiated. We take a close look at everything. One thing at a time. Systemically, this takes you further. 

psychologically and with therapist: What about the effectiveness?

The effectiveness of systemic therapy has been scientifically proven. Especially for family conflicts, relationship problems, depression and anxiety disorders. It shows particularly good results with clients who do not feel sufficiently addressed by conventional talk psychotherapy. This is because it uses dynamic and interactive methods. In this way, connections in social systems are illuminated. 

We combine theory and practice. The patient's relationships are seen as part of a system. This can also be illustrated using the example of the family. Because you can learn a lot within the family. They are important reference persons. This is where we can make a difference and bring about change with solution-oriented and well-founded approaches. Psychotherapy methods are often clearly structured. With a coach, you can address your problem even more specifically.

Only one thing applies to therapy for adults, couples therapy or family therapy. The focus is on you. The effectiveness of systemic therapy and counseling also depends on whether you are ready for change. We give you the basics and methods. But you have to put them into practice. No matter which form of therapy you choose. Whether family sculpture or circular questions. Together we will find what helps you.

With the German Society for Systemic Therapy you will find all kinds of representatives and knowledge. You can also find a psychotherapist there. Or you can simply find out more. Therapy procedures, methods of systemic counseling or areas of application. On the page of the DGSF find out more. 

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About the author

Tim S. Tabrizi is the founder and managing director of the Your Coaching Institute in Frankfurt am Main. As a certified executive coach (ICF, DBVC, DGSF) with over 15 years of experience, he manages a network of 35 coaches throughout Germany. He has coached executives at DAX companies such as Siemens and Deutsche Bank. LinkedIn profile | Your coaching institute on LinkedIn

Systemic therapy and coaching: Holistic perspectives for managers

Systemic therapy and Systemic coaching are among the most effective approaches in the professional support of managers and organizations. The systemic approach does not view problems and challenges in isolation, but always in the context of the entire system - whether company, team or personal environment. This holistic perspective enables profound and sustainable change.

In contrast to classic linear consulting approaches, the systemic methodology works with circular questions, constellations and changes in perspective. Business Coaches with systemic training help managers to recognize hidden dynamics in teams and organizations and use them constructively. Systemic interventions are particularly effective in conflicts, change processes and complex leadership situations.

At Ihr Coaching Institut we use systemic methods specifically in the Executive Coaching a. Our coaches are not only ICF-certified, but also have in-depth training in systemic therapy and counseling (DGSF/SG). This dual qualification enables us to work on both the behavioral and relational levels and thus initiate sustainable development processes.

Systemic Management coaching is particularly effective when working with complex stakeholder constellations, when integrating new managers into existing structures and when supporting transformation processes. Through the systemic lens, seemingly individual problems become recognizable as an expression of systemic patterns - and can therefore be solved.

The combination of therapeutic depth and business orientation distinguishes our approach from purely behavioral coaching models. We work in a resource and solution-oriented way without ignoring the emotional dimension of leadership and change.

„The systemic approach to coaching helped me to understand the dynamics in my management team and to make targeted changes. An investment that has paid off many times over.“ - Prof. Dr. H. Bergmann, Member of the Executive Board, Frankfurt