Systemischer

Systemischer is the attributive form of the German adjective systemisch, meaning systemic or relating to systems as integrated wholes. It is used across disciplines to denote approaches, theories, or practices that emphasize connections, contexts, and interdependencies within a whole rather than isolated parts.

In psychotherapy and counseling, a systemischer approach treats individuals as members of larger relational networks—families, teams, communities. Problems are understood as patterns of interaction, not solely as personal traits. Systemische Therapien, such as systemische Familienberatung and the Milan approach, focus on communication, boundaries, and feedback loops, aiming to change interactions to relieve symptoms.

In organizational development and management, systemischer thinking refers to viewing organizations as complex systems. Interventions consider structures, cultures, processes, and external environments, seeking to improve overall functioning through systemic change rather than isolated fixes.

Origins lie in General Systems Theory and cybernetics of the mid-20th century, later adopted in psychology, social work, and business. In German-speaking countries, the term systemisch and its inflected forms gained strong usage from the 1960s onward, paralleling the international growth of systems thinking.

Related concepts include systemische Beratung (systemic counseling), systemische Supervision, systemisches Coaching, and systemic ethics. The term systemischer remains a practical descriptor across fields for holistic, network-oriented perspectives.