The 6 benefits of Systemic Therapy in the family and the couple

In the field of psychology there are various therapies and intervention modalities based on different theoretical models. Some focus more on the causes of specific problems or pathologies, while others are more focused on the context and the existing problem, for example. In any case, these models of psychotherapy differ both in the techniques they contribute to psychologists and in their objectives and their way of conceiving the problem to be treated.

One of these modalities is Systemic Therapy, a type of psychotherapy that has more than half a century of history and stands out as one of the most relevant and influential in the field of applied psychology.

• Related article: "Family therapy: types and forms of application"

What is Systemic Therapy?

Systemic Therapy focuses on the relationships, interactions and communication methods existing between people, and is based on modify those relational dynamics that may be at the base of psychological problems, whether emotional or behavioral. It has its origins in the context of family therapy, but goes beyond this sphere of intervention.

This approach is based on the General Theory of Systems; This implies, among other things, that it does not focus on each of the individuals that make up a group or collective, but rather that it conceives reality from a holistic and integrative perspective and based on the social context, made up of many elements that constantly interact between Yes. In other words, it is more focused on relationships than on the private psychological phenomena of each person.

According to Systemic Therapy, each person or element within the relationship system influences and conditions the rest based on their acts, interactions and behaviors.

It is in addition to a modality of intervention usually applied in the family or couple settings because it has a practical approach to problem solving, and also because of its great effectiveness at the time to achieve positive changes in problems of a multicausal nature that affect several people at the time.

Systemic Therapy values ​​the power of communication to modify those patterns and dynamics of maladaptive relationships existing both within the family and in a couple relationship, among other contexts social. Y It is especially in these two areas where this type of therapy offers a great variety of benefits..

Your benefits in the face of family and relationship problems

To better understand how this supportive process works through psychotherapy, below you will find a summary of the main benefits of Systemic Therapy in the family and partner.

1. Improved communication

As indicated, one of the keys to Systemic Therapy is communication, and the ability to analyze communication methods in the context in which they take place, allowing the detection of non-relational problems individual.

Since communication deficits are usually the basis of many of the problems and conflicts that exist both in the field family and partner, training in new communication skills, as well as communication models positive, it is essential to achieve success in interpersonal relationships.

The improvement in the existing communication in a family nucleus has a positive impact on a great variety of elements that generated conflict before the therapy, as we will see below.

• You may be interested in: "Effective communication: 24 keys of great communicators"

2. It allows to express one's own feelings

Another advantage that Systemic Therapy offers is that it encourages all members of the system to have the possibility of expressing themselves with total freedom, talking about any topic without giving in to fear of "what will they say" or being judged, and without their contributions being judged or causing much discomfort.

This ability to express themselves on the part of everyone allows us to tackle problems of all kinds from the root, such as states of anguish or feelings of guilt that could have gone unnoticed until that moment because the person did not openly acknowledge them.

This favors an increase in interpersonal understanding, as well as empathy, and promotes an improvement in relationships between family members or the couple.

3. Promotes conflict resolution

Through Systemic Therapy applied to families and couples, the therapist also provides a series of tools and mechanisms for resolving conflicts or recurring problems, that each member of the household can incorporate into their day to day to contribute to an improvement in family relationships.

These problem-solving mechanisms can be based on different social and interpersonal skills, from anger and emotion management, training in assertiveness, in constructive discussion methods and non-verbal communication, even in methods of organizing homework or parenting guidelines for children.

4. Boost emotional support

The improvement in mutual understanding through the good use of language and empathy worked on in the sessions therapy also stimulate and allow improvement in emotional support among members of the system family. In this way, act as assistants to the therapist between sessions.

And it is that being aware of the needs and emotional problems of our family members, we also learn to offer our support, solidarity and understanding towards their suffering.

5. Mutual help in the material aspects of coexistence

When members of the couple or a family group share their problems or difficulties in any type, they can help each other in more everyday aspects that, in the long run, can generate stress; for example, certain household chores, or searching for information on any topic. This has the double use of creates a support network in which the well-being of all is enhanced, and at the same time, makes those who offer support feel satisfied when they see that they contribute to that relationship.

6. Promotes emotional repair

Mutual understanding of the problems of others favors the repair of old unresolved emotional conflicts in the sphere of the couple or the family. That is ways are created by which it is possible not only to forgive, but also to repair damage as far as possible, which helps reestablish mutual trust and mitigate forms of discomfort such as guilt.

When one of the members of the group is aware of the damage that she has caused, it is more likely that she will propose to adopt concrete measures by way of compensation, and in a context of cordiality and communication without fueling conflict, the aggrieved person is more likely to accept that initiative.

Are you looking for psychological support in the family or partner environment?

If you are looking for family or couples therapy services, Get in touch with me. I attend through the online modality offering effective techniques adapted to each problem in concrete, from my more than 10 years of experience working in the field of intervention psychological.

Bibliographic references:

• Biscotti, O. (2006). Couples Therapy: a systemic view. 1st. ed. Buenos Aires: Lumen.