Couple/Family Theoretical Orientation. As A Future Marriage,

The family system is founded on the notions that for change to occur in the life of an individual, the therapist must understand and work with the family as a whole. In working with the family, the therapist can understand how the individual in counseling functions within his family system and how the client’s behaviors connect to other people in the family. This theory also holds the perception that symptoms are a set of family habits and patterns passed down by generation and not a result of a psychological problem or an inability to change (Corey, 2017). Furthermore, the family system theory holds the idea that when a change occurs everyone in the unit is affected by the change.

For this assignment, two different theoretical approaches will be discussed, Bowenian family therapy and structural family therapy, and they will be used individually to construct a treatment plan to help clients reach their goals. Within each treatment plan discussed, short-term and long-term goals of therapy will be established and the family’s presenting problems will be defined. Two techniques that will be assigned to help them reach their therapeutic goals and any expected outcome from using those techniques will be discussed.

Within the boundaries of the system, patterns develop as certain family member 's behavior is caused by and causes other family member 's behaviors which can lead to a balance or dysfunction in the family system. Proponents of the theory: Dr. Murray Bowen a psychiatrist introduced this theory. Developmental concept of the theory: The theory was formulated by using systems to integrate knowledge of the human species as a product of growth with knowledge from family research, with eight interlocking concepts. (Differentiation of the self, nuclear family emotional system, family projection process, triangles, multigenerational transmission process, emotional cutoff, sibling position, and societal emotional process) How individuals are viewed: This theory views individual as being shaped by the family dynamic, each member is expected to respond to each other in a certain way according to their role. How problems are viewed: Problems are the result of a member of the system not performing their role which may lead to dysfunction in the family system. How change takes place: Maintaining the same pattern of behaviors within a system may lead to balance in the family system, but also may cause dysfunction. For example, if a father is depressive and cannot pull himself together, the mother may need to take up more responsibilities to pick up the slack which changes the family dynamic. The change in roles may maintain the

In the focus of assessment, both the Bowen and the Structural model suggest an essential concentration on evaluation. Then again, both models are somewhat dissimilar in the assessment and assessment methodologies. The Bowen model and the Structural model suggest they both regard the family structural unit as a point in theory and generational processes. However, both theoretical concepts search for patterns differently. For example, the Bowenian counseling approach explores the intricate patterns and interactions of intergenerational behaviors amongst the family (Bowen Center for the Study of Family, 2018). However, the Structural family model examines patterns in consideration of such indicators versus the patterns of those that are generational. Interestingly, counselors use a directive approach with their clients as well as having established a familial therapeutic alliance as well as with the family expansion (Karam et al., 2015). The Bowenian therapy differs in counseling in that those members of the family unit resolve unfinished business, and the Structural counselor focuses on restructuring.

According to the vignette, I feel most comfortable choosing Bowenian family therapy as the pioneer approach and narrative family therapy as the postmodern approach for this family. Of course, that decision would be according to the family needs and if they were unreceptive, I would modify my approach. For the purposes of this paper, the approaches mentioned above are the two that might be most appropriate to proceed through assessment and treatment.

This paper evaluates the Structural Family Therapy model and its impact on the Emotionally Focused Therapy by Sue Johnson. This paper will discuss the concepts of therapy utilized within the Structural Family Therapy model and how Sue Johnson utilized many of its methods when constructing Emotionally Focused Therapy model. The history of family therapy will be evaluated and the goals of family therapy. Research has proven that due to these clinical practices, families and couples are allowed to evolved issues in which they face into healthy relationships by evaluating patterns in behaviors and past events in their lives. Therapy focuses on the correction of the dysfunctional family as a cohesive unit and does not place focus on the individual. Therefore we find the psychotherapy as a family unit deems to be more effective than previous practices of an isolated session with only the patient and therapist.

Bowenian family therapy views human beings not simply as individual parts that make up a collective whole, but as a collective whole made up of various parts. That is, human beings are relational from birth and belong to a family or some other type of collective system where the joys and problems they experience are done not in a vacuum, but are shared and passed along from generation to generation. “The main goal…is to reduce chronic anxiety by 1) facilitating awareness of how the emotional system functions; and 2) increasing levels of differentiation, [with] focus on making changes for the self rather than on trying to change others” (Brown, 1999, p. 95).

Prior to establishing his theory post-World War II, Bowen studied the origins of schizophrenia and postulated that transgenerational maternal enmeshment was its cause. Bowen’s thoughts on this were similar to those on individuation. Though he believed psychoanalysis was too individualized for family therapy, the psychoanalytic notion that one’s interactions are driven by unconscious motivation was the theory’s germ of inspiration. Goldenberg & Goldenberg (2012) write that the most essential piece Bowen’s family systems theory is that the individual needs to resolve anxiety arising from their family of origin to find a sense of individuality. This concept is traceable to Bowen’s psychoanalytic roots as a psychiatrist.

In using the Bowen Theory, the role of the therapist is aligned with that of a coach or consultant (Psychotherapy.net, n.d.). The counselor role is to guide the family to an understanding of their issues without becoming emotionally reactive to their situation. It is also important for the therapist to not allow themselves to be pulled into a triangle situation with the

A PAPER SUBMITTED TO DR. JAMES D. GIBSON FULFILLMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR CO 5740 INTRODUCTION TO MARRIAGE AND FAMILY COUNSELING

Bowenian family counseling approach presents similar aspects that range throughout various family counseling theories. One approach to family counseling that is similar to Bowenian theory is structural therapy. Structural family counseling focuses on habitual behaviors and the role individual’s play in relation to those behaviors (Bohlinger, n.d.). Bowenian therapy reviews a minimum of three generations to assess transgenerational patterns. Both therapies point out a form of boundaries, however, Bowenian therapy looks to differentiate individuals within a family group, as oppose to structural therapy, which desires to change, clarify, and mark boundaries within a family (Nelson, n.d.). Experimental therapy recognizes discord when togetherness and autonomy are not balanced, like Bowenian therapy (Bohlinger, n.d.). Like solution based and cognitive–behavioral therapy, the role of the Bowenian counselor is to teach and coach clients (Nelson, n.d.). Also, like Milan therapy, Bowenian therapists are to remain neutral and avoid taking side within the family (avoid triangles) (Nelson, n.d.). Like object-relations therapy, Bowenian therapy seeks to help clients differentiate themselves (Nelson, n.d.). Although the Bowenian concept presents several similarities to other approaches, there are numerous

This paper will summarize the theory of family systems developed by Murray Bowen. It will describe the eight key components to Bowenian therapy and the techniques used during practice. Strengths and limitations will be exposed, followed by a summary of the importance of integration between psychology and family systems theory.

In the system of family therapy Dr Murray Bowen developed a new approach to family therapy that was different from other family theorist because it emphasized on the family’s emotional system and its history that may be traced through the family dynamics of the parents, and grandparents. His approach looks at human emotions and the patterns that are commonly developed and similar in all family systems.

multiple theories have influenced the development of my personal model and therapeutic approach to couples and families. Three theories in particular that I draw my therapeutic approach from includes: narrative therapy, emotionally focused couple’s therapy, and attachment theory. I will articulate the theoretical underpinnings of these three theories and integrate them in one cohesive personal model called Emotional Enhanced Attachment Narrative Therapy. This paper will discuss my approach in regards to the theoretical/philosophical assumptions, clinical applications, and final reflections of my personal model.

In a sociological perspective, family is interpreted as a social group whose members are bound by legal, biological, or emotional ties or a combination of all three. The sociological theories the connect to this concept are functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionalism. First, functionalism states that the family socializes children, it provides emotional and practical support for its members, and it provides its members with a social identity. Secondly, conflict theory states that members create disagreements, and create emotional support and comfort. Finally, symbolic interactionism claims family members and intimate couples interact on a daily basis. "Families are defined as a relationship by blood, marriage, or affection" (Seccombe 5).