Bowenian Family Therapy Theory

Theories of family therapy assist in identifying problems within the family system as well as influence the assessment process including selecting goals and objectives for treatment plans. Bowen approach to family therapy focuses in the area of decreasing the level of anxiety within the family whereas Minuchin family structural therapy analyses the structure of the family system whereas all problems reside.

(1999). Bowen Family Systems Theory and Practice: Illustration and Critique. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy,20(2), 94-103. doi:10.1002/j.1467-8438.1999.tb00363.x Richardson, C. A., Gilleard, C. J., Lieberman, S., & Peeler, R. (1994).

The therapy addresses relationship problems including behaviors, thoughts, and trauma amongst the family.

Background information and dynamics of the family Gorden Wong, 30 years old, elder son in the family; living with father, Sing (age 70), mother, Cindy (age 65) and younger brother, Simon (age 25). Sing and Cindy retired for 4 and 10 year separately. Simon is still in the college, studying a nursing course; he will be graduated from college in coming July. Sing and Cindy were immigrants from Mainland China 35 years before. They are hard working and live frugally.

In mapping this communication, the eight principles measured by Brown may become apparent not only to the therapist, but for the first time, the family may be able to see just how their functions are impeding the balance of their family and condoning strong exhibitions of universal traits within particular family members. The Bowen family therapy approach is invested in the intergenerational processes that are prevalent between generations (Bohlinger, 2010). By increasing differentiation between family members and between the generations, if possible, giving each triangle meaning rather than repetitive opportunities at increasing anxiety (Bohlinger, 2010). Focusing on this historical perspective, the origin of the family and environmental factors that surround the progress of this family, the genogram focuses itself on growth and self-actualization as the ultimate goal for the intervention (Nichols,

The Bowenian family therapy helps me understand my family and myself better. Two of the main terms in Bowenian family therapy are differentiation and fusion. Understanding these to terms is important to know how an individual relates with his or her family. Based on an individual’s differentiation or fusion they will interact in the family differently and can become entangled in triangular relationships that can lead to anxiety.

Family counseling draws on systems thinking in its perspective of the family as an emotional unit. When systems thinking, which assesses the portions of a system in relation to the whole, is related to families, it proposes behavior is both informed by and indivisible from the performance of a client’s family of origin. Families facing a struggle within the family unit and looking for professional help to address the problems may find family counseling a helpful approach. Within family counseling there are four family system approaches: systems, structural, strategic, and communications.

The Family Systems Theory Family systems theory is a framework for understanding families and their strengths and dysfunctions. The strengths identified among family relations can be used to help solve existing problems. The same applies with problems identified. The family system theory is based on Bowen’s theory which argues that people cannot leave independent of each other’s network of relationships. People within a family are connected emotionally, which affects their overall well being and social relations and behaviour.

A family contains young minds that are at first taught the building of personality or character and controlling the emotions of him or herself, while also being taught how to set goals for life (Ritter) But as new generations came of age, the family became a weakened and fractured unit as husbands and wives gave way to the human nature of adultery in a widespread manor. Here in America, the family has been under constant assault and broken marriages and broken households are now a normal thing to see. Few fathers show the guidance and teaching to their children that is needed often requiring the mother to take on both roles. As children grow up being more spoiled and pampered to, they are never learning to accept and recover from setbacks.

In this assignment I will be discussing two forms of therapies, family therapy as well as narrative therapy. The assignment will begin with an overview of both family therapy and narrative therapy. I will discuss the key concepts, techniques, therapeutic goals as well as client-therapist relationship. I will then proceed to discuss whether family therapy and narrative therapy are able to be applied in a multicultural context. The assignment will then conclude with how family therapy and narrative therapy is applied in certain situations to clients and how each one will benefit the client.

A strength of Functional Family Therapy is that it is adaptable to fit the needs of diverse populations. As mentioned, this therapy has good evidence-based support for substance abuse, acting out, violence, school problems, delinquency, oppositional defiant and conduct disorders (Kazdin & Weisz, 2003; Sexton & Alexander, 2004). Needless to say, the needs of White suburban adolescents are certainly different from immigrant Asian adolescents. The fact that Functional Family Therapy is made available in six languages (Sexton & Alexander, 2004), is most certainly a strength, because it opens up this type of therapy to a larger population of adolescents and their families. As such, Functional Family Therapy is able to meet families where they are, which is a definite strength.

Families are said to constitute realities in which most of one’s attributes are constructed, based on the family interactions, beliefs, values as well as the behaviours that are seen in the specific families one is brought up into (Archer & McCarthy, 2007).

Family systems therapy is basically evaluating the family system functioning as a unit and there are a few types of family therapy that uses this approach such as “structural family therapy, intergenerational family therapy and strategic family therapy” (Family Solutions Institute MFT Study Guide). The approach I think most useful would be structural family therapy which examines the family relationships, styles and common attitude during a therapy session. This allows the therapist to get a better understanding of what is going on in the family and the best way to solve

According to Horne (2002) intervention and planning therapy are closely connected. The primary purpose of the initial interventions and the practices chosen must be contingent upon the nature of the issue being presented as well as the physiotherapist security with a specific method, for example, “cognitive, group, and behavioral rehabilitation” (para. 1). Treatment planning and interventions relate to solving substance abuse issues and the problem that will be identified during the physiotherapist process. And, if intervention is determined, the mission is to effectively resolve the difficulties and work to seek modification for the current issues. There are various phases of presenting problems which can be labelled in terms of spousal problems, close relative issues, as well as extended-family difficulties wherein each stage requires its own exclusive therapy treatment.

Introduction A famous film star, Katherine Hepburn once stated, “Death will be a great relief. No more interviews.” Even though Hepburn was probably interviewed too many times and asked many questions, most social workers must utilize the interview process to make assessments of their clients. An accurate assessment is critical and significant first step in the social work process.