Bowenian Approach To Family Therapy

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Working with Individuals
As I read through the six schools of thought, I decided that I was more closely aligned with the Bowenian approach to family therapy. I like that Bowenian’s approach is similar to the psychodynamic approach. The psychodynamic approach looks at the history of the family, and unresolved conflicts to gain a greater understanding. “The context of past, present, and future interconnections that bind families together must be considered” (Clinton & Ohlschlager, 2002, p.530). In Bowenian’s approach the primary focus is on the present, yet it is within the context of the family, which is why I prefer this approach. It is important to reflect on the past, but it is not good to spend too much time there. “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14 NIV). Because the family is an emotional unit with strong bonds that are causing problems for the individual, not allowing the individual to think or feel for themselves. The individual needs to …show more content…

Is the cause linear, (looking for a real or primary cause) or circular (looks for a solution instead of the actual content of the problem). Helps with understanding the homeostasis and pinpointing the identifying the problem. To find the role of each family members to determine where the individual fits in. “The important idea here is to recognize how both family roles and the behavior surrounding family secrets, myths, and lies help maintain homeostasis in a dysfunctional family” (Clinton & Ohlschlager, 2002, p.527). A relationship of three is better able to give more information and stability over