The large number of systemic intervention approaches currently in use has emerged from systems theory, social constructivism, communication theory and many other theoretical foundations. Many models are also significantly influenced by psychoanalysis, Gestalt therapy

and other psychological schools. Systemic work refers to every conceivable type of system, such as families, couples, work teams, companies, governments and many others, as well as their larger context. The common premise of all approaches is that the behaviour of an element in a system cannot be considered independently of the overall system in which it occurs. The whole and its elements influence and condition each other.

Systemic therapists focus on the social context of mental disorders. Social and / or psychological problems are not necessarily defined as "ill", but as an understandable reaction to characteristics of the environment in which they occur. This can occasionally be problematic itself, such as parents' conflictual marriage for children, an exploitative work environment for employees, a rigid school system for pupils. Understanding the function of symptoms, e.g. as a coping attempt or possibly even as a positive contribution to stabilizing the system, often leads to a conscious change in the framework conditions of these symptoms and changes in the experience and behaviour of the individual. This is to say that stimulating the constructive self-regulation of a system (e.g. family) in the direction of reorganisation at a higher functional level favours the same process at the intrapsychic and behavioural level of a family member who is considered to be "problematic".

Couple therapy

Systemic couple therapy is an increasingly popular focus of systemic work.

Here, interest is focused on the specific dynamics of the couple system: How do both partners contribute to the emergence and maintenance of conflicts without intent to do so? What imprints (expectations, norms, unresolved pain, etc.) from their previous life history do the partners bring to the relationship? The multi-generational perspective enables the systemic counsellor to make visible both the individual histories of adopting concepts, filters of perception and interpretation (CBT) as well as psychodynamic aspects that unfold their influence in the couple system. The aim here is to trace the biographical patterns and possibly "inherited" cross-generational issues that individuals bring from their families of origin into their partnerships and self-founded families. This also includes unconscious role adoptions in the couple system that have their origins in childhood, as well as "transgenerational assignments". The latter refers to unconscious motives and aspirations that are actually unfulfilled desires and goals of an earlier generation.

A general goal of systemic couple therapy is to dissolve dysfunctional, deadlocked patterns of interaction, for example a "vicious circle" of mutual blaming and refusal to cooperate. Through certain questioning techniques, more information is generated in the system about the needs and motivations of the partners' behaviour. This facilitates a change of perspective, an improved ability for self-observation and communication and promotes a more positive dynamic in the couple system. Unconscious expectations and role assignments to the partner are often reflected and withdrawn. An increase in understanding and compassion for each other, acceptance of differences, a greater degree of autonomy and relationship skills are also considered likely results of systemic couple therapy. Couples having issues with repetitive arguments, commitment, jealousy, poor communication, power imbalances, breakdown in trust, extra-marital affairs and the like usually benefit from the described counselling approach. For those who have already decided to separate, there is a chance to create a more graceful and kindly ending that honours the best sides of the relationship and the shared past.

Couples who have problems with repetitive disputes, lack of commitment, jealousy, poor communication, power imbalance, loss of confidence, extramarital affairs and the like usually benefit from the described Approach. For those who have already decided to part ways, there is a chance to create a fair and friendly end to the common path that honors the best sides of the relationship and the past.

When working with couples, I employ methods of Systemic Couple Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and perspectives of depth psychological and transpersonal therapy.