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Bowenian Family Therapy Paper

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Introduction to Bowenian Therapy In marriage and family therapy, there are many different theories that can be used to conceptualize and treat clients. In this paper, Bowenian family therapy will be the main guiding theory. This therapy is based on Bowen’s theory of human behavior. Dr. Murray Bowen and colleagues spent 12 years observing families in therapy and worked to explain human interactions (Metcalf, 2011). Theory was formed into therapy by a previous student of Bowen's, Dr. Philip Gurin. A brief overview of his Bowenian therapy will be given, followed by a case example, the application of Bowenian theory to the case example, and finally an explanation for the use of this type of therapy over the use of another type of therapy. In …show more content…

Differentiation of self is the management of the opposing external drives of individuality with togetherness and the internal processes which are intellectual processes or emotional processes (Metcalf, 2011). This differentiation is formed early in life based on the degree of emotional separation and attachment with one’s parents (Bowen, 1978). A person with low differentiation can be seen in individuals who are emotionally driven, emotionally dependent, easily stressed and is unable to separate their feelings from their thoughts. On the other hand, a person with high differentiation gives thoughtful consideration, emotionally independent, can cope with life stressors, and can think even in times of high anxiety (Metcalf, …show more content…

Jack and Diane have two children, Tom who is 5 and Jane who is 3. Other salient family members include Jack’s mother, who is married and lives out of state, but is often called upon during problematic times. The couple met when seven years ago when Jack was near Diane on business and were married within a year. Jack and Diane are both white middle class Americans. They live in California most of the time, but Jack is often away on business. The times that the couple are apart are the hardest because Diane is used to doing everything with Jack. When he is away, they often text, call and skype to keep in touch. Currently, the couple is seeking therapy for marital problems including trust problems and anger/conflict problems as their presenting concerns. The children are described as being good children, although they have concerns that the marital problems may be having an impact on their older child Tom. Over the last few months, Tom has been acting out towards his mother, and has not been listening to her. Each marital distress symptom has emerged at different times, but have compounded until they felt high enough severity for Jack and Diane to seek treatment

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