ABSTRACT

In this chapter, the authors discuss the theory of living human systems (TLHS) and systems-centred training (SCT). SCT was developed from TLHS, a central axiom of which is that living human systems are characterized by a hierarchy of isomorphic systems that are energy-organizing, goal-directed, and self-correcting. The authors illustrate the traumatogenic process within the group, drawing on retrospective descriptions of their experience by the members of the group. From the SCT point of view, the group’s responses provide a rich description of the phase dynamics that were provoked by the traumatic event, starting with an authority phase, moving to the intimacy phase, and then to the recovery of work functioning. The authors conclude with an acknowledgement of some of the main differences in the two approaches, with a view to further possible lines of integration and application, especially to work with trauma in organizations.