JS: Mr Patriok, as a systemic coach, team developer and organisational consultant, you have been supporting people and organisations in change processes for many years. What motivated you to complete several further training courses at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam - starting with the further training programme to become a systemic coach?

MP: I find continuing professional development in a university context particularly exciting because it is based on a sound scientific foundation. In particular, I wanted to learn the Systemic Structural Constellation method - this was and is a common thread in my personal and professional development as a systemic coach. I particularly benefited from the way in which Heiko Kleve organised the training - practical, theoretically sound and inspiring at the same time. Fortunately, Andrea Berreth continues this work with the same high quality.

JS: What do you take with you from your time at the FH Potsdam into your role as a mentor for people and organisations?

MP: Above all, I take with me from the training the attitude of appreciation, impartiality and not knowing - central principles that have a lasting influence on my work. I also learnt a variety of methods that provide me with valuable tools in practice. My notebook, which I created during my training as a systemic coach, is still a real treasure trove that I like to look at again and again.

JS: After your further training as a systemic coach, you decided to join our workshop and the certificate course for systemic constellations constellations. How do the individual formats differ or complement each other in your view?

MP: For me, Systemic Constellations is a connecting element between my various training programmes. The Systemic Coach training and the Systemic Constellations certificate course complemented each other very well in terms of content - they followed a common thread and were designed to build on each other. The coaching training forms the fundamental basis, while the certificate course deepens and expands the content.

At the time, the workshop was an opportunity for me to deepen my knowledge of the Systemic Structural Constellation method in a practical way. A constellation in this context ultimately gave me the decisive impetus to become self-employed - initially on a part-time basis.

For me, the differences between the formats lie primarily in the intensity: both the coaching training and the certificate course are profound in terms of content, group dynamics and personal development. The workshop, on the other hand, primarily offers a methodical application space in which I was able to test and practise in a targeted manner.

JS: Many participants report that they not only benefit professionally from the training courses, but also grow personally. Was it similar for you?

MP: I took part in further training to become a systemic coach following a professional crisis that also had health implications. Due to the self-awareness-based approach, the training offered the opportunity to clarify relevant personal issues. At the same time, it opened up new professional perspectives and helped me to realign myself.

JS: What would you recommend to people who are considering further training in systemic work or constellations?

MP: I would recommend that they first train within the framework of a clear conceptual direction and specifically choose training programmes that integrate self-awareness as a central element. I can particularly recommend the systemic training programmes at the University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam - they impress with their sound content and excellent value for money.

The interview was conducted by Julia Sammler.