Anderson and Goolishian introduced the notion of the "problem-organizing system": the therapeutic system includes not the "family" or the "client", but everyone who is "in the conversation" about the problem — the client, the family, other professionals, the referring institutions. It is a "linguistic system", not a "biological" or "structural" one. Understanding who is in this system helps to understand how the problem is sustained in language and conversation. Precisely changing the conversation within this system leads to the change of the problem.
Step-by-step guide
- At the start of the work: inquire who else is "in the conversation" about the client's problem
- Map: who says what about the problem? Which narratives are competing?
- Understand: whose "version" dominates? How does it influence the client?
- Inquire with the client: what would it be if this conversation were not there?
- Do not aim to "include everyone" in therapy — but take their influence into account through the conversation
When to use
- At the first assessment and case formulation
- When working with chronic cases with a long history of treatment
- When you sense that the client is "stuck in a system" (hospital, social services, school)
- When there are many competing "expert" opinions around the client
Key phrases
Who else is talking about this problem? What are they saying?
Who first called this a problem?
Follow-up questions
How do different people around you see this situation?
Whose version feels closest to you?
Is there anyone who sees it quite differently?
Alternative phrasings
If no one around you called this a problem — would you yourself call it that?
How does this conversation about the problem affect you?
Warnings
- ⚠️ Do not turn the system mapping into a "family diagnosis" or "system diagnosis"
- ⚠️ This is not a structural analysis but a linguistic inquiry — there is no "correct" system
- ⚠️ Be careful with clients who have complex relations with the system — they may feel threatened
Source: Anderson, H. & Goolishian, H. 1988; Anderson, H. 1997
Materials are informational and educational and summarize publicly available scientific sources. They are not medical or psychological advice, are not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, and do not replace consultation with a qualified professional.