nterference of Diagnostic Labels in Systemic Psychotherapeutic Intervention

Abstract

This study analyzes, through a literature review, the interference of diagnostic labels in systemic psychotherapeutic interventions, considering various models such as Narrative, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Strategic, and Family Therapy. A total of 23 articles were reviewed, selected for their theoretical and methodological relevance, and sourced from scientific databases such as SciELO, Dialnet, Redalyc, and Google Scholar. The findings reveal a broad consensus that diagnostic labels are limiting in psychotherapeutic interventions because they direct the therapist’s focus toward a single path (the diagnosis) and reduce the client's ability to perceive themselves positively. Moreover, they are stigmatizing, as they expose clients to the risk of discrimination. In contrast, a minority of authors downplay their impact, arguing that their influence diminishes when they are not placed at the center of the intervention. In conclusion, the authors agree that diagnostic labels negatively interfere both with psychotherapeutic interventions and with the client’s self-perception. The study also highlights systemic psychotherapeutic intervention as a therapeutic model that focuses on the client’s strengths and perceptions, rather than on diagnostic labels, and is grounded in General Systems Theory.