Bowenian Therapy (multi-generation)

Question 1

Bowen’s eight forces shaping family functioning are

• differentiation of self,
• triangles,
• nuclear family emotional system,
• family projection process,
• emotional cutoff,
• multigenerational transmission process,
• sibling position and
• societal regression

Question 2

family projection process results in a child developing less adaptive coping skills under the stress that his or her parents are experiencing, (ex: child’s suicide attempt)

Question 3

Bowenian therapist would not encourage direct eye contact during tense communication as it would likely exacerbate already heated emotion and lead to greater conflict.

Question 4

Early Stage: Bowenian therapist would encourage the couple to speak directly to the therapist to reduce emotional reactivity.

Question 5

Assess parents’ behavior from a multi-generational perspective.

Question 6

Journaling encouraged.

Question 7

Genograms - interlocking triangles, multi-generational patterns and looks at family of origin to resolve conflicts that cause dysfunction in current family system.

Question 8

Therapist is coach assumes neutral position doesn’t join

works with the most differentiated family member

Question 9

Fusion is a Bowenian term that describes a lack of differentiation and boundaries among individuals in a family. For example, when family members make “we” statements as opposed to “I” statements.

Question 10

To disrupt fusion, Bowen recommends helping family members identify the patterns in the family system that hook them emotionally. Bowen would encourage the parents in this family to explore their families-of-origin to resolve the conflicts that are causing dysfunction in their current family system.

Question 11

idea that individuals face fundamental tension attempting to satisfy opposing needs for familial connection and personal autonomy is cornerstone of Bowen

Question 12

Teaching and coaching are important activities for a Bowenian therapist. Communication skills and time-outs for the parents are ways they can lower emotional reactivity and decrease conflict.

Question 13

critcisism The concept of differentiation, according to some Feminist therapists, pathologizes the need for emotional connectedness.