From a young age, I was plagued with questions that I thought only deep self-reflection could answer. I believed that if I could just delve deep enough into my own psyche, I would find the answers I was looking for. However, it wasn't until I started looking at life through a systemic lens that my entire worldview changed. This realization—that everything around us is governed by the systems we’re all strategically placed in—was profound. As human beings, we’re part of far more systems than we realize. These systems influence almost everything about us: from the way we think, to the way we dress, the way we talk, our values, and even our perspectives on ourselves.

Human beings cannot heal in a cocoon. Before I discovered systemic therapy, I used to take time away from friends and the world, claiming I was on my ‘healing journey’. I would withdraw into routines that I found comforting, asking my friends and loved ones for space to process my feelings and emotions in solitude. Don’t get me wrong—I’m a strong believer in self-work and doing whatever it takes to get your mental health to where you want it to be. However, healing cannot be completed in a vacuum. Because what happens next?

After doing all the self-work, you’re eventually going to be thrust back into the systems that caused all the damage in the first place. Therapy models that solely focus on the individual, helping them process their feelings, emotions, and experiences only using individual therapy techniques like CBT, can be effective. But how far can that really go when one has to return to the same daily routines within the same systems, cluttered with triggers known and unknown?

Systemic therapy not only focuses on you as an individual but also on all the systems you’re a part of. It recognizes that your healing journey doesn’t end with self-awareness and personal growth. Instead, it extends to understanding and navigating the complex web of relationships and environments that you are embedded in. By addressing these external influences, systemic therapy provides a more comprehensive approach to healing.

For instance, consider family dynamics. A person may work through their individual issues in therapy, but if they return to a family system that perpetuates unhealthy patterns, their progress can easily be undermined. Systemic therapy involves exploring these family interactions, identifying harmful patterns, and working on strategies to foster healthier relationships.

Similarly, in workplace settings, systemic therapy can help individuals understand the broader organizational culture that may be contributing to their stress or dissatisfaction. By addressing these systemic factors, individuals can develop better coping strategies and advocate for healthier changes within their work environments.

Even in our social circles and communities, the systems we are part of play a significant role in our mental health. Systemic therapy encourages individuals to examine their roles within these groups, understand the dynamics at play, and seek supportive and nurturing connections.

Ultimately, systemic therapy is about embracing the interconnectedness of our lives. It’s about recognizing that we don’t exist in isolation and that our well-being is intricately linked to the systems we interact with. By understanding and addressing these systems, we can achieve a more sustainable and holistic form of healing.

At JK Therapy, I believe in the power of systemic therapy to transform lives. My approach is grounded in the understanding that true healing involves not just the individual, but also the relationships and environments that shape their experiences. I am committed to helping my clients navigate these complex systems, fostering resilience, and promoting lasting well-being. Because healing is not just about looking inward; it’s also about understanding and changing the world around you.