Psychodynamic Theory And Family Of Origin

Psychodynamic Theory, Genograms, and Family of Origin Per Gladding (2011) psychodynamic approaches have been criticized for having strong historical focus, focusing on family history rather than current matters and difficulties. There are both advantages and disadvantages to focusing on a historical approach. The most notable advantage is the focus on the generations of family and not repeating bad behaviors, often using a genogram (Gladding, 2011). Murray Bowen would respond to criticism of his theory by reinforcing how important the past is to the present. Psychodynamic theory and Bowen theory both emphasize the importance of unconscious forces in family life (Gladding, 2011). Addtioanlly, the therapeutic use of a client’s family genogram

Using this approach needs twenty to forty sessions (Gladding, 2011). If mental health benefits are not part of a client’s insurance plan, this method could become costly. Additionally, psychodynamic theory focuses primarily on the past, intergenerational history, instead of the current issue that may have brought a client in for counseling (Gladding, 2011). Moreover, this therapy is also more linear than not-it focuses in cause and effect interactions and often the therapy is either too limited to an individual or not broadened to family life (Gladding, 2011). Bowen’s method puts emphasis on family history and not repeating patterns of behavior from family members. Per Gladding (2015) neither Bowen nor Ackerman’s theories are completely empirically supported, only parts. Ackerman being feisty and charming, would charm any naysayers that his method was the best, while Bowen having had a dysfunctional family would rely on his own experience to discourage any negativity about his theory (Gladding,

Therapists rely on the genogram’s visual and concrete representation of clients’ families, relationships, and patterns between family members for both assessment and treatment (Cook & Poulson, 2011). Moreover, when two people enter a relationship they each bring traditions, ideals, and customs from their family of origin, and a genogram could help a couple or family see different patterns that are repeated from generation to generation (Gladding, 2015). Additionally, a genogram could also help an individual see patterns within themselves such as emotions, communication style, or how they interact with others (Goodman, 2013). Counselors have incorporated genograms in counseling as an intervention tool in treating addictions, religious-spiritual, sexuality, and career and academic related concerns (Duba, Graham, Britzman, & Minatrea, 2009). Additionally, counselors can use a genogram as a clinical tool used for acquiring, storing and processing information about family history, composition and relationships (Duba, Graham, Britzman, & Minatrea, 2009). Moreover, an individual or couple’s family-of-origin play a direct influence on present and future relationships (Gardner, B., Busby, Burr, & Lyon, 2011). Furthrmore, tracking the generations of a family could be used in many ways, not only in tracking genetic risk factors for health issues, but to