Table 1.

Topics and key concepts of systemic therapy.

Therapeutic phases	Topics	Key issues and techniques	Homework
First phase (2 sessions)	Introduction and join in	Buildup rapport	Write a strength and resource list, including at least 50 points
	Collection of information	Positive listening, systemic questioning, buildup the first hypotheses, draw genogram	Write down 10 things, which the clients want to do most in the next 3 years
	Clarification of therapeutic goals	Inquiry about the expectations, using systemic questioning to clarify the therapeutic goal, which is clear, feasible, and in a positive way of formulation
Second phase (5 session)	Understanding the context of the identified problem as well as interactive pattern around the identified problem	Shifting the pathology from symptoms to relations. Understanding the meaning and function of the identified problem in an interpersonal system; systemic questioning such as circular questions, exception questions, scaling questions; family boards and timelines	On odd days, the client should act as if the problems become more serious and, on even days, the client should act as if the problems disappear, and meanwhile, he or she observes the reaction of others
	Reconstruction of the problem and exploring resources and solutions	Finding out and creating diverse possibilities; challenging the certainty of the knowledge of the identified problem; rewriting the self-narrative and reframing, positive connotation
	Making use of the resource and putting the solution into practice	Homework
Third phase (2 session)	Reinforcement and deepening of changes	Reflecting and reviewing the progress and changes; expand the details of the changes; emphasize the client’s efforts and abilities to make changes; discuss about how to maintain the changes	Observe and write down the sympathetic behaviors
Fourth phase (1 session)	Relapse prevention	Considering the risks of relapse and building up a treasure box of strategies	Build up a treasure box of strategies