Systemic Theory and Practice 1

Module overview

Systemic therapies approach people and their problems, not as isolated individual units, but as people in relationships who are influenced by the interactions and dynamics within the group be it a family or a larger organisation such as an employer. This module has been designed to offer teaching that is equivalent to the first year of the Systemic Psychotherapy Foundation level training (AFT, 2015). Systemic theory and practice is one of the programmes two therapeutic models in line with guidance from the British Psychological Society that Trainees must “demonstrate competence in a minimum of two evidence-based clinical models” (BPS, 2025, p41 – 2.14.11).

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning methods

The module will include lectures and experiential exercises delivered in a workshop format. You will keep a systemic training reflective log and there will also be Systemic Consultation Sessions with qualified systemic psychotherapists to enable you to think and critically reflect on your application of systemic theory/approaches and your positioning within professional systems.

Study time
Type	Hours
Independent Study	58
Teaching	42
Total study time	100

Resources & Reading list

Internet Resources

An Introduction to Family Therapy: Systemic Theory and Practice..

The Cultural Meaning of Triangles. In M. McGoldrick (Ed), Re-visioning family therapy: Race,culture, and gender in clinical practice (pp. 37-49)..

The Evidence Base of Systemic Family and Couples Therapies.

Textbooks

Stratton, P (2005). Report On The Evidence Base Of Systemic Family Therapy. Warrington: Association for Family Therapy.

Burnham, J. B.,. Family Therapy: First Steps Towards a Systemic Approach.. Abingdon & New York: Routledge.

Carr, A. (2006). Family Therapy 2nd Edition: Concepts, Process and Practice. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.

Association for Family Therapy (2009). Summary of Family Interventions recommended and reviewed in NICE guidelines. Updated Jan 2011.

Burr, V. (2003). Social Constructionism. Hove & New York: Routledge.

Assessment

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Systemic Reflective Log

Assessment Type: Formative
Feedback: Discussion and reflection with peers and expert/lecturer /staff member within Clinical Round Table session’s across year 1 and year 2
Final Assessment: No
Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Group assignment including presentation	20%
Interview with a Family	80%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Resubmit assessments	80%
Resubmit assessments	20%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal