What is circular questioning in systemic therapy?

Circular questioning is a technique used in systemic therapy that aims to uncover various perspectives and relational dynamics within a family system. This approach involves asking questions that encourage family members to reflect on how they perceive one another's behaviors, feelings, and relationships. By doing this, therapists can help individuals see patterns of interaction, promote understanding among family members, and facilitate change through enhanced awareness of relational dynamics.

For example, a therapist might ask one family member how another member reacts to certain situations, prompting deeper insights into family interactions. This method helps to reveal the context of relationships and can identify underlying patterns, which can be essential for promoting healing and communication within the family unit.

In contrast, techniques that focus solely on individual therapy or questioning forms used in legal settings do not align with the relational and systemic focus inherent in circular questioning. Similarly, strategies for terminating therapy sessions do not pertain to the exploration of family dynamics and perspectives, which is the essence of circular questioning in systemic therapy.