Introduction to General Systems Theory

 Earn 1.5 CE Contact Hours

General Systems Theory is a foundational framework for understanding how individuals function within the context of their relationships and environments. Rather than viewing behavior in isolation, this approach examines patterns of interaction, feedback loops, and the broader systems that shape family dynamics.

In this 90-minute workshop, participants will be introduced to the core principles of General Systems Theory and how these concepts inform family systems thinking and clinical practice. Through practical examples, attendees will learn how to move beyond individual-focused interpretations and begin assessing relational patterns, roles, and levels of functioning within families.

This training is designed to strengthen participants’ ability to think systemically, offering a clearer lens for understanding complex family interactions and informing more effective, contextually grounded interventions. Whether you are new to family therapy or looking to deepen your theoretical foundation, this workshop provides essential tools for integrating systems thinking into clinical work.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Describe the core principles of General Systems Theory and their relevance to family therapy practice.
• Apply systems concepts (e.g., patterns, feedback loops, and relational dynamics) to assess family functioning.
• Differentiate between individual-focused and systemic approaches to clinical assessment and intervention.

Who Should Attend:

Mental health professionals, therapists, social workers, counselors, and students seeking a strong foundation in family systems theory. This workshop is especially valuable for early-career clinicians and trainees who want to build their clinical confidence by learning how to assess and understand family dynamics through a systemic lens.

Meet Dr. Hernandez:

Ana is committed to addressing mental health inequalities and social justice using a multicultural, systemic framework when providing mental health treatment to individuals, LGBTQ, couples, and families of color.

Ana completed a doctorate in Couple and Family Therapy and is owner at Valiente Relational Healing, located in Boston, Massachusetts. She is an AAMFT approved supervisor and an Adjunct Faculty at Iona University and Ackerman Institute for the Family.

Ana has published her work in journals including the Contemporary Family Therapy journal and the American Journal of Family Therapy. She has co-authored two book chapters 1) “Challenging Heterosexual and Cisgender Privilege in Clinical Supervision in Clinical Activities for Increasing
Competence and Self-Awareness” (2014, New Jersey: Wiley and Sons) and 2) “Making the Invisible Visible: a closer look at social class in supervision; in Culturally Sensitive Supervision and Training: Diverse Perspectives and Practical Applications” (2016, New York, NY: Routledge).