About Systemic Therapy

Systemic therapy looks beyond the individual to understand how relationships, family dynamics, and social systems may influence personal challenges and well-being.

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Systemic therapy is an approach that views personal difficulties within the broader context of relationships and interconnected systems. Rather than focusing solely on individual thoughts or behaviours, systemic therapists explore how family patterns, communication styles, and relational dynamics may contribute to the challenges someone experiences. This perspective often helps people understand their concerns in new ways and discover paths toward meaningful change.

This approach may be particularly supportive for those navigating family conflicts, relationship difficulties, or situations where interpersonal patterns seem to repeat. Our network of systemic therapists in Canada is growing, and you can browse profiles with intro videos to find a therapist whose approach resonates with you. If systemic therapy isn't available in your area yet, you might also explore family therapy or couples counselling as related approaches.

Dale Bricker

Psychologist
Waitlist
Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Dale Bricker

Dale Bricker

Psychologist
He/Him/His
$240/session
Self-Development, Stress, Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career guidance, Conflict resolution, Effective communication, Family issues, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Workplace stress
Self-Development, Stress, Relationships, Depression, Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Boundaries and boundary setting, Career guidance, Conflict resolution, Effective communication, Family issues, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Navigating challenging relationships, Workplace stress
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Jacqueline Groves

Registered Social Worker
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Jacqueline Groves

Jacqueline Groves

Registered Social Worker
She/Her
$160/session
Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Depression, Depression coping skills, Anger Management, Attention and Impulsivity, Behavioural Issues, BIPOC, Break-up recovery, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Women's Health, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Personal Growth, Burnout, Interpersonal dynamics, Conflict resolution, Meaning and purpose, Imposter syndrome, Christian counselling
Anxiety, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Depression, Depression coping skills, Anger Management, Attention and Impulsivity, Behavioural Issues, BIPOC, Break-up recovery, Boundaries and boundary setting, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Women's Health, Workplace stress, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Personal Growth, Burnout, Interpersonal dynamics, Conflict resolution, Meaning and purpose, Imposter syndrome, Christian counselling
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What is systemic therapy?

Systemic therapy is a form of psychotherapy that examines challenges within the context of relationships and social systems. Rather than viewing difficulties as residing solely within an individual, systemic therapists consider how family dynamics, communication patterns, and broader relational contexts may influence well-being. This approach often involves exploring how changes in one part of a system can affect the whole.

What concerns may systemic therapy help with?

Systemic therapy may support people experiencing family conflicts, relationship difficulties, communication challenges, or situations where unhelpful patterns seem to repeat across generations. It's often used when interpersonal dynamics play a significant role in someone's concerns, and it may be beneficial for individuals, couples, or entire families seeking to understand and shift relational patterns.

How is systemic therapy different from individual therapy?

While individual therapy typically focuses on a person's internal experiences, thoughts, and behaviours, systemic therapy expands the lens to include relationships and social contexts. A systemic therapist may explore family history, relationship dynamics, and communication patterns to understand how these factors influence the challenges someone faces. This broader perspective often reveals new possibilities for change.

Do I need to bring my family to systemic therapy sessions?

Not necessarily. While systemic therapy can involve multiple family members, many systemic therapists also work with individuals. When working one-on-one, the therapist still applies a systemic lens, exploring how relational patterns and family dynamics may be relevant to your concerns. Whether to include family members depends on your goals and what feels most supportive for your situation.

How do I find a systemic therapist in Canada?

First Session's network of systemic therapists in Canada is growing. You can browse available therapists on our platform, watch their intro videos to get a sense of their approach, and book directly online. If systemic therapy isn't yet available in your area, consider exploring family therapy or therapists who incorporate relational perspectives into their work.

What can I expect in a systemic therapy session?

In systemic therapy sessions, you may explore your family history, relationship patterns, and the ways you communicate with important people in your life. Your therapist might ask questions about family dynamics, draw diagrams of family relationships, or help you notice patterns that repeat across generations. The goal is often to gain new understanding and discover different ways of relating that may support positive change.