ABSTRACT
The term systemic humanism was coined by me to combine key concepts from systemic family therapy with inspiration drawn from the work of Paulo Freire to shape practice more distinctly as a process of humanization. Systemic humanism emphasises that a practice be both cognisant of, and actively involved in, opposing oppressive practice. Systemic humanism is a call to think and practise with a critical curiosity that crosses disciplinary divides and theoretical stances. The conceptual landmarks set out here place a systemic humanising process in contrast to other perspectives that are focused more keenly on individual or biomedical diagnosis. Systemic humanist practices are a democratic endeavour emphasising partnership between client/patient/student and practitioner. Systemic humanism assumes that personal change and development stem from a person's growing awareness of their active participation in dealing with challenges in life that free them from experiences of oppression.
