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Bowenian Family Systems Therapy is a form of therapy that takes the entirety of the family unit into consideration when exploring struggles and mental health issues.
The reasons people pursue family systems therapy are as diverse as the families themselves, and we are here to help you determine if Bowenian Family Therapy is right for you.
Bowenian Family Systems Therapy recognizes that when there’s dysfunction in a family system, a member will either choose to shake up the system to create change, distance from the system to become healthier, or remain stuck in the system.
Family systems therapy differs from traditional psychodynamic theory because it doesn’t put too much focus on childhood trauma, past memories, or diagnosis.
Instead, Bowen’s theory explores the patterns of interacting with each other in the present moment and guides families to develop new ones.
Murray Bowen is the pioneer of systemic theory that treats a family as a whole rather than as individuals.
He was born in the small town of Waverly, Tennessee, and received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee Medical School in 1937.
In the 1950s, Bowen developed the family systems theory because he saw the family as the primary source of emotions and personality.
Bowenian theory emphasizes healthy psychological differentiation between family members as the foundation of positive family relationships.
Differentiation means being in contact with but not overly dependent on or influenced by another person.
The opposite would be enmeshment, in which a person does not have a strong sense of self and cannot tolerate other people being different from them.
A Bowenian therapist helps clients stay rational when under emotional stress so that each member can separate themselves from the others, psychologically speaking, without being overly anxious.
This way, no one member of the family is pinpointed as the problematic person or scapegoat. The focus becomes on how one responds to another’s difficult behaviors.
Bowenian Family Systems Therapy also recognizes that family dynamics can carry the influence of multiple generations.
A therapist can draw a genogram with the family to bring insight into transgenerational problems, which helps take the burden off any single family member.
The therapist may also point out unconscious processes in the family or patterns of behavior.
However, the therapist tries not to become too involved in the family members’ interactions.
Whether your family is facing an issue or crisis, or everyone seems content and happy, family systems therapy offers many benefits, including:
Every family faces a conflict or problem at some point. Some are resolved quickly, and some continue on for years.
Bowenian Family Systems Therapy can provide a resolution for conflict by helping family members identify issues, address the root of problems, and work through the conflict.
Because a family unit typically involves several members, it can be difficult to establish healthy and constructive communication. Misunderstandings easily occur in larger groups.
Also, family members may not feel comfortable openly sharing their feelings or discussing their issues.
Family systems therapy can help family members speak freely and be understood in a safe environment.
Both positive and negative life transitions, such as death, divorce, or relocation, can have a significant impact on a family and throw off the family dynamic.
Bowenian Family Therapy can help with the stress of these situations and support family members as they struggle with their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while adjusting to new circumstances.
Overall, family systems therapy can help a family create a strong bond by guiding members to become more aware of their interactions and behavioral patterns within the family unit.
When family members begin to understand each other, it’s easier to develop positive relationships and a strong bond.
Bowenian Family Therapy can utilize many powerful techniques including:
A graphic of a family that includes history, relationships, and psychology that helps the therapists and the family explore patterns and connections in order to guide treatment.
Symbolizes stable relationship networks and helps to create a healthy balance and support within the family.
Helps clients identify the emotions happening within the family. This helps each family member recognize their individual emotions and identities within their role in the family unit.
This communication technique emphasizes the emotions of the speaker without defensiveness or feelings of blame.
Our team at Empire Psychotherapy is here to provide you with a personalized therapy experience by focusing on your unique needs and challenges.
Contact us today for more information about Bowenian Family Therapy, or book your appointment if you are ready to get started.
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Empire Psychotherapy Corporation is a Hamilton based provider of counselling, couples therapy, and psychotherapy services.
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