Systemic consulting is on the rise.
It has its roots in family therapy and draws on basic system-theoretical ideas that have developed in parallel in different disciplines such as biology, physics, psychology, mechanics and sociology in the recent past. These basic ideas have changed the "classic perspectives" in counseling and therapy, and they are increasingly influencing the "classic" counseling and therapy procedures. However, unlike in the USA and many other countries, the systemic way of thinking is not yet sufficiently anchored in our healthcare system. And that means that you usually have to pay for the advice yourself.
Think networked.
Systemic consulting does not explain people's behavior in isolation from their inner characteristics, but from their relationships with each other and their environment. This makes it perfect for advising several people at the same time, but it is also suitable for individuals. Systemic counseling aims to expand the possibilities of perception and action. She is attentive to the context of those seeking advice and respects their resources and autonomy. She maintains a respectful dialogue with her clients.
My way of working
In practice, systemic consulting is interpreted and implemented very differently depending on the consultant.
The following “ingredients” are particularly important to me in my consultation:
Task and solution orientation. At the beginning of the consulting process, I work out the topic and the assignment for the consultation very carefully. Because depending on which concern is formulated, different counseling formats (time, duration, methods) are suitable. Then I go with my counterpart on the search for individual solutions and new perspectives. I coordinate my approach with the client(s) and also make sure to do regular interim evaluations.
equality and humanity. Everyone has times when they feel frustrated, stuck, sad, angry or at a loss. I take my clients' problems seriously, but I don't see them only the problem. It is important to me to perceive and appreciate the whole person in their individuality and also in their strengths, a person just like me. My point of view is just one of many, and there is no such thing as “one truth”. Advice “from above” is therefore inconceivable to me.
Creativity, curiosity and humor. Even in times of crisis, you can laugh, you can dream and extraordinary ideas can be discussed. Not all of them should be implemented - but how else is inspiration supposed to come about? Systemic counseling (as I understand it) helps people to accept what is, to change things that can be changed, to gain clarity about their own abilities and goals and to stand by themselves. She does this with unusual perspectives and unorthodox questions, with a variety of methods and a great deal of respect for the individual path of life of each individual.
Learn more.
There is a lot of extensive information about systemic counseling, above all the standard work by Arist von Schlippe/ Jochen Schweitzer ("Textbook of systemic therapy and counseling I. The basic knowledge") and - as a faster source of information - the homepage of the German Society for Systemic Therapy , counseling and family therapy (DGSF) recommended: