Severe, chronic, or terminal illnesses are among the greatest sources of stress that those affected must confront. However, it is not only the patient who needs help and support in such situations; their surroundings do as well. Involving family and friends in therapy helps everyone cope with the burdens and uncertainties that come with illness. Systemic family medicine focuses on the impact of physical illness on the personal lives of patients and the interpersonal relationships within the family. It integrates biopsychosocial and systemic perspectives and employs them for simultaneous work with patients, families, staff of medical institutions, support groups, and social services. Susanne Altmeyer and Askan Hendrischke provide practical guidance in this introduction.