Systemic thinking and circular questioning in therapy with individuals

Abstract

Systemic ideas and techniques have been shown to be of significant therapeutic value in therapy with individuals (Hedges, 2005). The present article aims to show the relevance and usefulness of systemic thinking and of a particular systemic questioning technique known as ‘circular questioning’ in therapeutic work with individuals. Circular questions are typically used in two contexts: (a) to elicit information about the client and their family or social circle and (b) to help the client reach a better understanding of their situation within the influences of their familial and social environment. It is argued that, in addition to their therapeutic value in family therapy, circular questions can be of significant benefit to therapeutic work with individual clients, too. For example, circular questions have an empowering effect as they invite the client to take an active role in their own therapy. Additionally, circular questions help remove the obstacles of self-blame thus taking the client closer to change. Finally, circular questions enable the therapist to maintain a neutral position which, in turn, benefits the therapeutic alliance.