Systemic
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of systemic theory and applications for social work and working with people in distress. I outline the basic premises of systemic practice including first and second order approaches. I discuss social constructionism and its usefulness in understanding how mental health is thought about. I propose narrative and externalising approaches as possible helpful approaches working with people in distress, as well as using formulation as opposed to diagnosis in making sense of situations with people. I use a case study to demonstrate how the LUUIT model could be applied to a common scenario.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Counseling
Therapy
and Family Dynamics
Social Work Education and Practice
Psychology and Mental Health
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 94–107
- Publication date
- 11 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter