Seeing the Bigger Picture: What Is the Systemic Approach to Therapy?

When it comes to therapy, we often think of it as a solo journey—one person, one therapist, one couch. But what if the challenges you’re facing aren’t just about you, but also about the relationships, patterns, and environments you're part of?

That’s where the Systemic Approach to therapy comes in.

This perspective zooms out a little. Rather than viewing problems as isolated within a person, the systemic approach looks at how those problems may be shaped by family dynamics, cultural influences, relationship patterns, and social systems. In other words: it’s not just about “what’s wrong,” but also what's happening around you.

Seattle's skyline is dramatically silhouetted against a vibrant sunset, with hues of orange and pink reflecting off the buildings and the waters of Elliott Bay.

So, What Exactly Is the Systemic Approach?

The systemic approach is based on the idea that we’re deeply influenced by the systems we’re part of—our families, relationships, communities, even workplaces. Developed through fields like family therapy and social psychology, this approach sees individuals as part of a larger network of connections, and healing often involves understanding and shifting those dynamics.

Rather than asking, “Why are you like this?” the systemic approach tends to ask, “What’s this behavior doing in the larger picture?” or “How is this connected to the people and systems around you?”

Spoiler alert: it's usually not all your fault—and that's good news.

What Does This Look Like in a Session?

A therapist using a systemic lens might:

• Ask about your family, relationships, or community—not to be nosy, but to understand patterns.

• Explore how culture, power, identity, or social norms are impacting your experience.

• Help you identify roles you’ve taken on (like “the fixer,” “the quiet one,” or “the strong one”) and whether they’re still serving you.

• Work with couples or families, when appropriate, to explore shared dynamics and communication patterns.

Whether you come in solo or with others, this approach helps you understand how your story fits into a wider web—and how you can shift your part of the pattern in a way that supports your growth.

Why It Matters

If you’ve ever felt like you’re repeating the same argument in every relationship, or like certain feelings don’t make sense until you think about your upbringing, or if you’re navigating multiple cultural identities—then a systemic approach can be especially powerful.

It’s not about blaming your family or environment, but about making sense of how you got here—and how to move forward with awareness and intention.

When we understand how we function within our systems, we’re better equipped to change the dance steps, rather than always switching partners.

Meet Haile Reeve, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate in West Seattle

Haile Reeve, licensed mental health counselor and founder of Take the Stress Off, PLLC, integrates a Systemic Approach with a Person-Centered lens to provide thoughtful, individualized care that honors both who you are and where you come from.

Haile works with individuals from diverse backgrounds who are exploring identity, relationships, trauma, or simply the complex experience of being human in a messy world. Whether you’re trying to untangle intergenerational patterns or just make peace with your group texts, Haile offers a grounded, compassionate space for reflection and change.

Ready to See the Whole Picture?

If you're looking for a therapist who sees you in context—not just your symptoms, but your story—Haile Reeve might be the right fit. With a mix of systemic insight and person-centered care, Haile helps clients untangle the threads of past and present so they can move forward with clarity, connection, and confidence.

Therapy isn’t just about changing how you feel—it’s about understanding how you fit in your world, and how to do that in a way that feels more true to you.

Let’s zoom out, dig deep, and take the stress off—one insight at a time.

Curious About Getting Started?

Taking care of your mental health is a bold and powerful move—and understanding how your insurance fits in can make the journey smoother. One of the best first steps? Flip your insurance card over and call the customer service or member services number on the back.

Ask things like:

• What are my mental health benefits?

• What’s my copay for therapy?

• Is my deductible met?

• Are systemic/family therapy sessions covered?

• Do I have in-network or out-of-network options?

Asking these questions might feel like a hassle—but it puts you in the driver’s seat. You deserve to understand your coverage and make informed choices about your care. Have more questions about what the insurance terms mean? View the following blog post to find out: “What Does That Even Mean?” – Decoding Insurance Lingo for Your Mental Health Journey.