Systemic tool · The problem basket
The ideal tool for first interviews in systemic family therapy: the problem basket
First interviews are often a real challenge. How can we create a space safe enough for every member of a strained family to speak? How do we start a genuine, constructive dialogue? In response to these questions, one singular tool has emerged: the problem basket, an object that is both symbolic and pragmatic.
The emergence of a floating object
The concept of the floating object was theorised by Yveline Rey and Pierre Caillé. In the case of the problem basket, the idea is simple: each family member takes the basket in turn and symbolically places in it whatever weighs on them. The basket then becomes a vehicle for speech, but also a metaphor for the emotional weight each person carries in connection with the family’s problems.
On the one hand, the tool structures the exchange and creates a space where every voice can be heard. On the other, the basket acts as an object of projection: feelings and emotions take shape in it, opening the way to a deeper exploration of the difficulties. As for the basket’s false bottom, it offers the possibility of keeping to oneself what one would rather not share, thereby respecting each person’s privacy.
How does the problem basket work?
In the first sessions, the basket is introduced as follows.
- Presenting the tool. The therapist explains that the basket symbolically represents the difficulties the family is facing. Each person is invited to speak in turn, holding it in their hands.
- A structuring turn-taking. Whoever holds the basket is the only one to speak, while the others listen. If a member wishes to intervene, they must wait until the basket is in their hands.
- Open questions. The therapist accompanies the gesture with a few simple questions: “Is it heavy? What weighs the most right now?”, “Was there ever a time when the basket was empty?”, “What would happen in the family if this basket became lighter?”.
- Bringing family dynamics to light. The responses, verbal and non-verbal, are observed closely. Who takes hold of the basket first? How do the others react? These elements make it possible to identify alliances, tensions and possible unspoken matters.
- Creating metaphors. To reinforce the symbolic dimension, members can be invited to turn the contents of the basket into an image, an object or an animal. This opens creative perspectives and helps externalise the problems.
Why is this tool so effective?
The problem basket works because it brings together several essential dimensions of systemic therapy.
Belonging and differentiation
Everyone can express what they feel while respecting their own pace, thanks to the false bottom that allows part of the difficulties to be kept private.
Circulating information
The tool encourages a sharing that goes beyond ordinary verbal exchange: each member discovers new facets of the problems.
A non-blaming approach
The basket shifts the discussion from “who is responsible?” to “what do we do with this weight?”, which fosters collaboration.
A lever for change
By placing their problems in the basket, families begin a distancing that helps them analyse and understand their own dynamics.
How can you bring this tool into your practice?
If you are a therapist, a social worker or a professional of human relationships, the problem basket can become a valuable asset in your sessions. You can start by introducing it as a one-off experiment, within the usual framework of your interview, explaining its symbolism and how it works. Observe the reactions, adapt the questions to the context, and let the tool do its work.
To go further, an article in the journal Thérapie Familiale examines this device in detail.
The tool is demonstrated in the video below, in French.
How to cite this article
Besse, J. (2025, January 19). The ideal tool for first interviews in systemic family therapy: the problem basket. Complexe Systémique. https://app.complexe-systemique.com/en_GB/articles/the-ideal-tool-for-first-interviews-in-systemic-family-therapy-the-problem-basket
To go further
- Floating objects in systemic therapyThe family of tools the problem basket comes from, and the logic that links them.
- The family map: master this basic tool of systemic therapyAnother first-interview support, which puts each person's place in the family into a picture.
- The 3 phases of the interviewThe framework in which the basket finds its place, from the first welcome to the closing.
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