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 certain problems or pathologies, while others are more focused on the context and the existing problem, for example. In any case, these psychotherapy models differ both in the techniques they provide 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.
Systemic Therapy focuses on the relationships, interactions and communication methods existing between people, and is based on modifying those relational dynamics that may be at the basis of psychological problems, whether emotional or behavioral. It has its origins in the context of family therapy, but it goes beyond this area of intervention.
This approach is based on the General Systems Theory ; This implies, among other things, that it does not focus on each of the individuals that make up a group or collective, but rather conceives reality from a holistic and integrative perspective based on the social context, made up of many elements that constantly interact with each other. 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 system of relationships influences and conditions the rest through their actions, interactions and behaviors.
It is also about a modality of intervention usually applied in family or couple settings for having a practical approach to problem solving, and also due to its great effectiveness in achieving positive changes in problems of a multi-causal nature that affect several people at the same time.
Systemic Therapy highlights the power of communication to modify those maladaptive relationship patterns and dynamics that exist both within the family and in a couple relationship, among other social contexts. AND It is especially in these two areas where this type of therapy offers a wide variety of benefits
Its benefits for family and relationship problems
To better understand how this support process through psychotherapy works, below you will find a summary of the main benefits of Systemic Therapy in the family and the couple.
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-individual relational problems.
Since communication deficits are usually the basis of many of the problems and conflicts that exist both in the family and in the couple, training in new communication skills, as well as in positive communication models, It is essential to achieve success in interpersonal relationships
The improvement in existing communication in a family unit has a positive impact on a wide variety of elements that generated conflict before therapy, as we will see below.
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 the fear of “what they will say” or of being judged, and without their contributions being judged or generating a lot of discomfort
This ability for everyone to express themselves allows us to address problems of all kinds from the root, such as states of anguish or feelings of guilt that may have gone unnoticed until that moment because the person did not openly recognize them.
This promotes an increase in interpersonal understanding, as well as empathy, and promotes an improvement in relationships between family members or couples.
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 which each member of the house can incorporate into their daily lives 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, assertiveness training, constructive discussion methods and non-verbal communication, to task organization methods. of home or parenting guidelines for children.
4. Enhance emotional support
The improvement in mutual understanding through the good use of language and empathy worked on in therapy sessions also stimulates and allows improvement in emotional support between members of the family system. Thus, They act as assistants to the therapist between sessions
And by 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 a couple or a family group share their problems or difficulties of any kind, they can help each other in more everyday aspects that, in the long run, can generate stress; for example, certain household tasks, or searching for information on any topic. This has the double use of creates a help network in which everyone’s well-being 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 each other’s problems favors the repair of old unresolved emotional conflicts within the couple or family. That is Ways are created through which it is possible not only to forgive, but also to repair damage to the extent possible which helps to reestablish mutual trust and mitigate forms of discomfort such as feelings of guilt.
When one of the members of the group is aware of the damage they may have caused, they are more likely to propose taking concrete measures as compensation, and in a context of cordiality and communication without fueling the conflict, the aggrieved person is more likely to accept that action. initiative.
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