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Bowen Family Systems Theory

Created by Dr. Murray Bowen, who founded the Georgetown Family Center in 1967.  Dr. Bowen found that in order to understand an individual one must 1) study the individual within the context of the family system (immediate family as well as extended family) and 2) study the variable degrees of anxiety that greatly affect the condition of that family.  He observed that a highly anxious family unit behaves predictably different from a less anxious one.  Meaning, if you watch a family under increased anxiety you will observe a variety of behavioral patterns and interactions amongst the family members and as soon as that same level of anxiety is repeated, the patterns of behavior and interaction will also repeat themselves.  Bowen added that if one member of the family was able to manage his/her own anxiety level, this change in the one family member would lead to compensatory changes in other parts of the family. And vice versa, when the family system could change, the behavior and functioning of family members changed as well. 

What is explored in a session?

I help you examine patterns and interactions in your own family.  With this information, we explore your individual behavioral patterns and how they are played out under various levels of pressure and tension in other relationship systems (i.e. at work, with friends, in a group).  How you react and respond under various levels of pressure of stress and tension is identified.  Once the awareness becomes clear, you are better equipped to begin your journey towards what Bowen calls differentiation of self or defining a self.   

This defining of a self means having the ability to feel yourself through the emotional intensities and challenges of life. Allowing the sensations to move through you, knowing that they are simply energy, supports you remaining calm and mindful of the situation. When we allow our self to be mindful with the situation, what we are feeling, thinking and doing, we are more equipped to manage the energy of anxiety. More able to get out of the ego self and align with the true essence of the self. The part of you that begins to think more clearly, able to make conscious choices. Responding with clearly thought out facts as opposed to reacting with tension ridden emotions (such as criticism, blaming, or feeling the need to be right).  Ownership, accountability and responsibility for self is more easily accessible. Making it easier to not participate in the irresponsibility of the other(s). 

 

I interweave Bowen Family Systems theory into all of my Couples Psychotherapy sessions.

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