Bowen Theory of Change
Understanding multigenerational dynamics and differentiations
Transmitted through the family
Bowen Theory
Multigenerational transmission of problems, passed down generation to generation
Bowen Role of Therapist
Coach-educator
Supervisor, investigation
Neutral
Bowen Treatment Goals
Reduce anxiety and emotional turmoil in family system
Self-differentiation within the context of family
Decrease emotional fusion
Reduce emotional reactivity
Improve communication skills
Decrease recurrence of dysfunctional patterns
Facilitate detriangula
Triangles **
three-personal relationship system
Building block or "molecule" of larger emotional systems because it is the smallest stable relationship system
Differentiation of Self (P: Beg.)
Difference between individuals and groups reflect differences in people's levels of differentiation of self
intrapsychic (within themselves) and interpersonal (seperate self) differentiation
Nuclear Family Emotional System (P: Beg.)
Concept of the nuclear family emotional system describes four basic relationship patterns that govern where problems develop in a family
Family Projection Process
Primary way parents transmit their emotional problems to the child
Impairing functioning in one or more children and increase vulnerability
Multigenerational Transmission Process (P: Beg.)
How small differences in the levels of differentiation between parents and their offspring lead over many generations to marked differences in differentiation among the members of a multigenerational family
Emotional Cutoff (P: Mid.)
People managing their unresolved emotional issues with parents, siblings, and other family members by reducing or totally cutting off emotional contact with this person
Genogram (P: Beg.)
Extensive study of family's history
Assessment and treatment tool
(e.g., family map, diagram)
Emotional Reactivity
Family members talk with the therapist
Reframing
presenting problem as a multigenerational problem
Detriangulation (P: Mid.)
healthy triangle" where the thx teaches the couple or unit to manage their own anxiety, distance, and closeness in healthy ways
Increasing Differentiation (P: Mid.)
Forming supportive relationship with family members to explore the origins and effect of their family's beliefs and behaviors
Teaching "I" Statements (P: Mid.)
Increase differentiation through "I" language; own emotional experience
Opening Cut-off Relationships (P: Mid.)
Encouraging and supporting clients to reengage with estranged family members
Interacts with Family
Interrupts arguments- open conflict is prohibited as it raises anxiety
Thx to help employ coping skills to get into a better state
Models (P: Mid.)
Demonstrates new ways to interact and communicate; role-playing
Bibliotherapy
Assigning reading material; educator and educational role