Family and Systemic Therapies 355away from home like her older sister. As they are revealed, the beliefs
can be tested against other family members’ views and interests, and
be developed accordingly. As with other modes of family therapy, the
systemic approach has changed over time, with increasing emphasis on
the role of language in shaping beliefs.
The central technique is one of circular questioning, in order to reveal
how beliefs relate to the behaviour. Thus, each question follows on from
the response to the last, aiming to reveal what meaning this has for other
beliefs in the system, and to uncover their interrelationships. Whereas
linear questioning proceeds convergently to clarify with increasing detail
what the mental state or behaviour is, circular questioning aims to elicit
theconnectionsto other beliefs, and to other family members. Thus, one is
aiming to see how experiences are connected to belief systems, rather than
find out more and more about the experience. For example, if someone
repeatedly brought anger to sessions, rather than continuing to explore
the feeling, one would find out what it would mean to take the feeling
away. One might discover they would be left believing they’re worthless,
impotent, a victim, and as this is even more unpleasant, they continue
feeling angry.
Techniques
Hypothesising
This is carried out before the session, before the family can impose its
definition of the problem.
It organises the questioning. It is an evolving process in which hypothe-
ses are tested by gathering information.
It clarifies the gains and losses the symptom brings to each family
member, and how the symptom helps the family that is struggling with
the prospect of change.
In a family experiencing a chronic problem, each member moves to
stop change, wishing to reinstate the status quo after the change has
happened, and trying to retain old patterns even though they conflict
with the new situation. This notion of ‘resistance’ to change was more
characteristic of earlier systemic therapy; now there is a greater accep-
tance that families really do want to change.
Neutrality
The therapist avoids getting drawn into the family system or taking sides;
they may have a team on the other side of a one-way mirror to help
them keep independent.
Answers are not evaluated or agreed with: understanding is shown, and
perhaps empathy, but no family member’s view is accepted as right or
definitive.
The therapist remains allied with all family members.
The therapist tries to understand and not to prescribe how the family
should be, letting them generate their own solutions.