Systemic Therapy Course

Lesson 1 • Epistemology and Ethics in Systemic Work

Examines constructivist and social constructionist epistemologies that ground systemic practice. Ethical responsibilities unique to working with multiple clients simultaneously are addressed.

Lesson 2 • Core Systemic Concepts

Introduces circular causality, homeostasis, and equifinality as foundational ideas. These concepts underpin every technique taught in subsequent chapters.

Lesson 3 • History and Philosophical Roots

Traces systemic therapy from cybernetics and general systems theory to contemporary practice. Provides the conceptual lineage needed to understand why systemic methods work.

Lesson 1 • Circular and Systemic Questioning

Introduces circular, reflexive, and difference questions as assessment and intervention tools. These questioning styles reveal relational dynamics invisible to linear inquiry.

Lesson 2 • Formulating a Systemic Hypothesis

Synthesises assessment data into a working systemic hypothesis linking symptom to relational function. Hypotheses remain tentative, guiding rather than constraining the therapist.

Lesson 3 • Structural Assessment of the Family

Applies structural concepts to evaluate hierarchy, subsystems, and boundary permeability. Assessment findings directly shape structural interventions introduced later.

Lesson 4 • Genogram Construction and Analysis

Teaches structured mapping of multigenerational family data using standardised notation. Genograms reveal patterns, triangles, and legacies that inform intervention.

Lesson 1 • Boundary-Making Interventions

Covers techniques to strengthen diffuse boundaries and increase permeability of rigid ones. Boundary work restores appropriate hierarchy and subsystem functioning.

Lesson 2 • Structural Model Core Concepts

Reviews structure, subsystems, and boundaries as targets for therapeutic change. Connects structural theory to the assessment skills built in Chapter 2.

Lesson 3 • Enactment as Primary Technique

Teaches therapists to prompt live interaction sequences in session to observe and restructure patterns. Enactment transforms talk about problems into direct systemic change.

Lesson 4 • Unbalancing and Challenging the System

Teaches deliberate therapist alignment with one member to destabilise rigid hierarchies. Unbalancing creates productive disequilibrium that motivates structural change.

Lesson 1 • Strategic Therapy Principles

Covers Haley and Madanes' problem-focused, directive approach to changing behavioural sequences. Strategic thinking prioritises pragmatic change over insight.

Lesson 2 • Invariant Prescription

Teaches Selvini Palazzoli's invariant prescription for families with psychotic or severely enmeshed members. Students learn precise delivery and follow-up protocols.

Lesson 3 • Milan Systemic Model

Introduces the Milan team's use of hypothesising, circularity, and neutrality as core therapeutic stances. The model emphasises information over instruction.

Lesson 4 • Positive Connotation and Rituals

Covers positive connotation of the symptom and family rituals as Milan-derived change tools. Rituals punctuate transitions and disrupt rigid relational sequences.

Lesson 1 • Unique Outcomes and Re-authoring

Covers identifying exceptions to the problem story and building alternative narratives around them. Re-authoring conversations thicken preferred identity stories.

Lesson 2 • Externalisation of problems

Teaches the practice of separating the person from the problem through linguistic and relational moves. Externalisation reduces shame and opens space for agency.

Lesson 3 • Witnessing and Definitional Ceremonies

Teaches outsider witness practices and definitional ceremonies to thicken preferred narratives socially. Community and relational resources are mobilised as therapeutic agents.

Lesson 4 • Collaborative Language Systems

Introduces Anderson and Goolishian's not-knowing stance and dialogical conversation as therapeutic tools. Students practise generating shared meaning without imposing expert frameworks.

Lesson 1 • The Miracle Question and Variants

Teaches the miracle question and its adaptations to elicit detailed preferred-future descriptions. Vivid future visions motivate behavioural change in the present.

Lesson 2 • Exception-Finding and Amplification

Identifies times when the problem is absent or less severe and amplifies those exceptions. Exception sequences reveal existing client solutions that can be expanded.

Lesson 3 • Solution-Focused Foundations

Covers de Shazer and Berg's core assumptions: problems and solutions are not necessarily related. Students shift from problem analysis to solution construction.

Lesson 4 • Integrating Strength-Based Approaches

Synthesises solution-focused methods with narrative and structural techniques for complex presentations. Students develop flexible integration strategies rather than rigid protocol adherence.

Lesson 1 • Systemic Couple Therapy

Addresses relational cycles, attachment dynamics, and power imbalances in couple work. Students use circular questioning and enactment to interrupt negative interaction cycles.

Lesson 2 • Blended and Stepfamily Systems

Examines the unique structural challenges of stepfamilies, including loyalty conflicts and role ambiguity. Interventions address boundary clarity and stepparent integration.

Lesson 3 • Single-Parent and Extended Family Systems

Addresses the structural demands on single-parent households and the role of extended kin networks. Interventions strengthen parental hierarchy without pathologising family form.

Lesson 4 • LGBTQ+ Families and Diverse Structures

Applies systemic concepts to LGBTQ+ families, chosen families, and non-traditional structures. Students practise affirmative, non-pathologising systemic assessment and intervention.

Lesson 1 • Reflective Practice and Self-of-Therapist

Develops therapist self-awareness regarding personal family-of-origin patterns and their clinical impact. Reflective practice is positioned as an ongoing professional discipline.

Lesson 2 • Working with Complexity and Chronicity

Addresses systemic work with multi-problem families, chronic mental health conditions, and entrenched patterns. Students adapt pacing and intervention intensity to complex presentations.

Lesson 3 • Outcome Measurement and Evidence-Based Practice

Introduces routine outcome monitoring tools and the evidence base for systemic therapies. Students integrate feedback-informed practice into their clinical workflow.

Lesson 4 • Live Supervision and Reflecting Teams

Covers the use of one-way mirrors, earphones, and reflecting team formats in systemic training. Students experience both supervised and supervisory roles.