WCP 2025

This presentation focuses on ideas that help us achieve goals, regardless of how objectively correct or incorrect, falsifiable or verifiable they may be. Such regularities—whether about the world, humanity, ourselves, etc.—that allow us to create order and meaning out of the chaos of life, even if they do not necessarily reflect an ‘objective reality’, will hereinafter be referred to as Functionalia (F). These are statements that serve a meaningful purpose, regardless of their factual accuracy.
Replacing maladaptive F with more purposeful F can be seen as a central—if not the guiding—principle of (almost) all therapeutic approaches. In cognitive behavioral therapy, this is referred to as “functional cognitions” (Einsle & Hummel, 2015, p. 20); in other modalities, as “reframing” (see e.g., Barker & Chang, 2013, p. 156; Gilligan, 2019, p. 60; Popescu, 2023, p. 23); and in individual psychology, as “fictions” (Wiegand, 1995, pp. 152–153).
Beyond psychotherapy, many schools of thought also operate with diverse F—across philosophy, religion, and culture. The positive effects of engaging with such Functional Systems (FSys) have been well documented, particularly in the context of religion (see e.g., Schwalm et al., 2022; Lucchetti et al., 2021; Thomas & Barbato, 2020).
It can be assumed that adopting helpful F from existing FSys leads to better outcomes than developing them independently. Likewise, therapists who are familiar with a variety of perspectives and their associated F are likely to be more effective in helping clients reshape or create new Functionalia than those working solely within their own school of thought.
Disciplines such as psychotherapy, philosophy, religion, and cultural studies could benefit from a structured exchange of F. Importantly, Functionalia should not be limited to academia—they can be understood as fundamental guiding structures of human thinking and action across all domains of life. Actively engaging with F can thus offer valuable insights and practical benefits in fields such as education, entrepreneurship, elite sports, politics, diplomacy, prevention of extremism, inclusion, and more.
This presentation explores two key questions: (1) How can the exchange of F between different FSys be organized in a structured way? And (2) how can both patients and therapists gain access to individually helpful F? The focus will be on the development of a shared (IT-supported) platform. This foundational work aims to lay the groundwork for a new field of research and education.