Systemic family therapy is a talking therapy that works with the relationships between people rather than with one person on their own. Instead of asking "what's wrong with you?", it asks how a difficulty makes sense within a family, what keeps it going, and what might shift it. It can help families, couples and individuals.
What "systemic" means
A family is a system: everyone in it is connected, so when one person changes, others change too. Systemic therapy looks at the patterns between people — how a family communicates, handles conflict and organises itself around problems — rather than treating one person as "the problem". It doesn't look for someone to blame. Often the very things a family does to cope are the things that keep it stuck.
What happens in sessions
Sessions are conversations. I ask questions that help each person see the situation from different angles, and we look together at the patterns, stories and beliefs that shape how your family relates. Sessions last 50 minutes for one person, 75 minutes for a couple and 90 minutes for a family, usually every two to four weeks; there's more about this on how I work. Every family is different, so there's no set number of sessions.
Who it can help
Families with a teenager who is struggling; couples whose relationship is under strain; families going through separation or becoming a blended family; families where arguments or silences have become the norm; families affected by trauma or by someone's drinking, drug use or gambling. If you've been looking for family or relationship counselling, family therapy may be what you need.
Does everyone have to come?
No. Systemic therapy can work with the whole family, a couple, or one person. Because families are connected, change in one person can make a difference to everyone.
How is it different from individual counselling?
Individual counselling focuses on one person's thoughts and feelings. Systemic therapy looks at the relationships and context around a difficulty. Both are valuable; they work at different levels.
My training
I trained at the Institute of Family Therapy, where I completed my MSc in Systemic Psychotherapy, including over 300 hours of live clinical supervision with families. Read more about me, or about systemic family therapy with me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is systemic family therapy the same as family counselling?
The words are sometimes used interchangeably. Systemic family therapy focuses specifically on relationships and patterns rather than on one person.
Can we have sessions online?
Yes. I see people online by secure video, or in person at The Blossom Tree Clinic, Suite 2, 6A Love Lane, Pinner HA5 3EF.
How do we start?
With a free, no-obligation conversation. I usually reply within 24 hours, and can typically offer a free initial consultation within a week. Get in touch.