Systemic – existential psychotherapy

There are different approaches to psychotherapy, which lead to different models. Each with its advantages and disadvantages. There are long term and short term types, models with or without protocols, traditional or modern types of psychotherapy.

The idea behind systemic theory is that people cannot be understood in isolation but rather within various systems, such as family, working environment, friendships and romantic relationships. The systemic theory supports that the system influences the person and vice versa. So, every change that the person achieves, changes the system. For example, if one person within a relationship goes to therapy, the relationship itself will be altered.

The existential model refers to people’s existential worries, such as fear of death, isolation, loneliness, meaninglessness, willing, responsibility. These concerns are manifested in personality and psychopathology and their awareness promotes people’s treatment.

The systemic – existential model doesn’t follow a fixed protocol, like -for example- behavioral therapy. Each psychotherapeutic treatment plan is built according to each person’s special needs and requests.

Systemic therapy is not as long term as psychoanalysis, neither as short term as behavioral therapy. It is considered to be somewhere in the middle.

Working Therapeutically Across Cultures

Psychotherapy is a complex process that often does not adhere to fixed protocols. It depends, to some extent, on the therapist’s skills, training, personal therapeutic experiences, current circumstances, and practical considerations. Additionally, culture is often not homogeneous within a single country, let alone across different countries.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many therapists and clients (if I may borrow the term) recognized the benefits of online therapy, often due to practical reasons such as minimizing costs. This shift contributed to the growing popularity of online therapy. While some people prefer online sessions, there are also expats and immigrants who choose face-to-face therapy, even if it means receiving therapy in a language other than their mother tongue.

My motivation for working across cultures, however, has always been independent of supply and demand. My first meaningful interaction with people from different cultures occurred during my Erasmus period. It was fascinating to realize how culture, upbringing, and environment influence relationships and communication.

My first client (though I prefer the term “person in therapy”, I use “client” here for brevity) was an Englishman. A true global citizen, he marked the first time I conducted therapy in English.It was a challenging experience at the time. As a therapist, I’ve learned to carefully monitor my words and thoughts for the client’s benefit. Beyond that, however, I needed to focus on the correct use of language—not merely in terms of grammar, but in understanding the essence of the language, its meaning, and its emotional nuances.

Language plays an especially significant role in therapy. For instance, I prefer the term “challenging”; over “problematic” as the former feels less judgmental. Similarly, the Greek verb for “love” carries a depth of meaning that differs from its more casual use in English.
Yet, after just a couple of sessions with that first client, I realized that while language is important, it is often not the most critical aspect of the therapeutic process. People communicate on many levels beyond words, and this non-verbal communication frequently bridges and even transcends language barriers.

In the years since, I have worked with individuals from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. I make a conscious effort to stay alert to stereotypes and diversity. Before meeting someone from a culture unfamiliar to me, I strive to educate myself or ask questions to better understand their perspective. However, the most essential quality for working with people from different cultures—or anyone, for that matter—is maintaining an open mind. This involves being curious, willing to learn, and ready to challenge one’s own beliefs and assumptions. These qualities have always defined a good therapist.

Ultimately, I often find that the similarities within the human experience are striking. Meeting people in my office has always been an exciting journey for the soul. The cultural dimension adds another layer to that challenge—and I’ve always loved traveling.