The foundation of systemic phenomenological work

The scope of a symptom

People who want change often describe a symptom, problem or pattern. If a symptom occurred once, you’ve probably already resolved it or forgotten about it. But repetitions of the same thing often do prompt you to want to take a systemic look at what’s going on.

A first part in the quest is to examine the scope. Because a symptom is usually not isolated. First questions are therefore WHERE does the symptom occur (more) and since WHEN does it occur?

Where else…? This question leads quickly to the (sub)system where possibly the root of the symptom lies. Suppose the symptom is that someone at work is not given space to show who he or she is and what he or she can do. Do other people at work have similar symptoms? Or is an entire team struggling with the same thing? Did that person have the same thing at previous jobs? If so, is it more prevalent in his or her family line, and if so, where? As a child, was the person given the space to express himself? Were the parents given space in their jobs or not?

Since when…? This question leads quickly to an event where possibly the root of the symptom lies. And sometimes to the system where you can probe further. If the symptom is new to the person, then it probably has more to do with the organization’s system. If the symptom fits a particular time period, then it has to do with the biographical past of either the person or the organization. Perhaps there was a major change after which this symptom arose. Has the symptom been there all a person’s life? Then it fits with transgenerational experiences and loyalties toward (for) parents.

By examining the scope of the symptom, you will discover that a symptom is often not (only) personal and bound up in the here & now, but part of a larger context. Just realizing that does something in being able to handle it.

Subscribe to our newsletter

We send the latest blogs, vlogs and our course offerings monthly through our newsletter. Stay informed and subscribe.

Subscribe

About the Bert Hellinger Institute

People are constantly evolving. With each other, without each other. In families, in teams, in organizations. Systemic thinking makes us aware of the “why” of our being and doing. Organizational and family constellations create room for movement. The BHI provides courses, workshops and training programs in the field of systemic work, constellations, leadership and coaching. This is how we contribute to the development of people, organizations and society.

For up-and-coming and established leaders. An initiative of the Bert Hellinger Institute.