Circular Questioning in Family Therapy

In the realm of Family Therapy, where understanding is the cornerstone of healing, lies a powerful technique that unlocks the secrets of relational dynamics and illuminates the path to positive change. Enter Circular Questioning[1] – a nuanced approach that invites clients to explore their family interactions from a fresh perspective, fostering empathy, insight, and transformation.

What is Circular Questioning?
Circular Questioning is a therapeutic technique used in family therapy to explore relational patterns, communication dynamics, and underlying beliefs within the family system. Rather than asking direct questions or seeking information, circular questions invite clients to reflect on their perceptions, interpretations, and experiences of family interactions.[2] By examining the circular nature of relationships – how one person’s behavior influences and is influenced by others – clients gain insight into the complex web of connections that shape their family dynamics.

The Art of Inquiry
At the heart of Circular Questioning lies the art of inquiry – a skillful and compassionate exploration of the relational landscape. Therapists craft questions that invite clients to reflect on specific interactions, patterns, or conflicts within the family, using curiosity and empathy to guide the conversation. Through open-ended and nonjudgmental questioning, therapists create a safe space for clients to explore their experiences and perspectives without fear of blame or criticism.[3]

Breaking the Cycle
Circular Questioning[4] offers clients the opportunity to break free from entrenched patterns of thinking and behavior within the family system. By inviting clients to reflect on the circular nature of their interactions – how each person’s behavior influences and is influenced by others – therapists help clients gain a new perspective on their relational dynamics. This heightened awareness empowers clients to challenge unproductive patterns, communicate more effectively, and create healthier relationships within the family.

Fostering Empathy and Understanding
One of the key strengths of Circular Questioning[5] is its capacity to foster empathy and understanding among family members. By encouraging clients to consider the perspectives and experiences of others within the family, therapists promote empathy, validation, and connection. Clients gain insight into the underlying motivations, fears, and needs driving family interactions, paving the way for greater compassion and collaboration within the family system.[6]

Navigating Complex Dynamics
Circular Questioning is particularly effective in navigating complex or conflictual family dynamics.[7] By unpacking the circular nature of interactions – how each person’s behavior influences and is influenced by others – therapists help clients identify the underlying dynamics fueling conflicts or misunderstandings within the family. This deeper understanding allows clients to approach conflicts with greater clarity, empathy, and problem-solving skills, fostering healthier resolutions and strengthening family relationships.

The Therapeutic Journey
Ultimately, Circular Questioning is a transformative journey of exploration, insight, and growth. As clients engage in reflective dialogue and explore the circular nature of their family interactions, they gain new perspectives, deepen their understanding, and chart a course towards positive change. Through the art of inquiry, therapists[8] and clients come together to unravel the complexities of family dynamics, fostering empathy, connection, and healing within the family system.

In conclusion, Circular Questioning stands as a testament to the transformative power of inquiry and reflection in family therapy. By exploring the circular nature of relationships, clients gain insight, empathy, and agency within the family system. As therapists guide clients on this journey of exploration and understanding, they pave the way for deeper connections, healthier communication, and lasting change within the family.

What to do?
We invite you to join us for our upcoming 4-week, 1-hour Family Therapy Certificate Course starting on June 6th. Click here for more details.

[1] Mantova, Katica Stoimenovska. “THEORETIC OVERVIEW OF CIRCULAR QUESTIONS IN FAMILY AND SYSTEMIC THERAPY.” KNOWLEDGE-International Journal 54.1 (2022): 187-191.

[2] Reiter, Michael D. “Systemic Family Therapies.” Family Therapy. Routledge, 2023. 122-140.

[3] Diorinou, Maria, and Eleftheria Tseliou. “Studying circular questioning “in situ”: Discourse analysis of a first systemic family therapy session.” Journal of Marital and Family Therapy 40.1 (2014): 106-121.

[4] Brown, Jac. “Circular questioning: An introductory guide.” Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy 18.2 (1997): 109-114.

[5] Penn, Peggy. “Circular questioning.” Family process 21.3 (1982): 267-280.

[6] MURRAY, STUART B. “Going around in circles: Circular questioning and family therapy for eating disorders.” Innovations in Family Therapy for Eating Disorders. Routledge, 2016. 321-325.

[7] Dumont, Isabelle, and David Kissane. “Techniques for framing questions in conducting family meetings in palliative care.” Palliative & supportive care 7.2 (2009): 163-170.

[8] Kissane, David W., and Isabelle Dumont. “Therapist techniques in family work.” Bereavement care for families. Routledge, 2014. 92-106.