The theoretical underpinnings of Bowenian family therapy are Differenation one’s self from origin of family, triangles, sibling position, emotional cut off, and societal environment pressures. Differenation is learning to separate self from family. According to Bowen(1978) “It has long been recognized that emotional attachment between the spouses is identical to the emotional attachment that each spouse had in his or her family of origin” (p. 530). Triangles is a family unit where tension is directed at a member in the family. Someone is usually the target or left out. The goal as the therapist is to avoid being a part of the family’s triangle. Sibling position can determine your personality and behavior. First born tend to be leaders and responsible later burns tend to be more laid back. This concept rings very true with me and my brother. I am the younger sibling and I can be extremely laid back where he exist power and control. Emotional cut off can be seen in distancing one ’s self from family, a strive for independence outside of family unit. Societal environment pressures can influence the level of success a family member obtains.
What do you perceive as the pros and cons …show more content…
I had a hard time pulling out some of the cons with this theory. A con of Bowenian Family Therapy is sometimes relationships are cut off for good reason and repairing will do more damage than repair. Sometimes relationships are cut off for reasons out of your control, maybe your family is dead or you was separated because of some form of neglect and abuse and you have no contact with your family origin, how can you repair and really get to know them if contact is