Bowen Family Systems: Structural and Strategic Models Theory Application
Bowen Family Systems, Structural, and Strategic Models Theory Application
Angelina R. Benton
Grand Canyon University PCN: 500
December 17, 2014
Bowen Family Systems, Structural, and Strategic Models Theory Application
The case study of Ana will be analyzed using the Bowen Family Systems Theory Approach. Bowen Family Systems Theory is a theory of human behavior that views the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to describe the complex interactions in the unit (Kerr, 2000). This paper will discuss the concepts of the theory that is appropriate for this case study; the reason this theory was chosen over the other ones; counseling goals and intervention strategies in accomplishing those goals; and designation of short or long term counseling. This paper will also discuss the counselor’s role with Ana; the client’s role in counseling; the population this theory is most appropriate for as well as addressing the social and cultural needs of the client; any additional information that might be helpful to know about this case; and what are the risks, if any, of using this approach.
What concepts of the theory make it the most appropriate for the client in the case study? Include at least five concepts. There are five concepts that would make this theory appropriate for the client in the case study. The first concept in this Bowen Family Systems Theory Approach is triangles. What is a triangle? According to Kerr (2000), a triangle is a three-person relationship system. This triangle is a part of a bigger emotional system because a triangle is the smallest stable relationship system. These triangles involve, according to Murdock (2013), two people that are the “in” group and one person that is the “outside” group. Triangles form when the anxiety levels rise in a relationship or family (Titelman, 2008). Individuals (or families) with low levels of differentiation are more likely to triangle because more emotion is involved (Kerr, 1981). As a
Angelina R. Benton
Grand Canyon University PCN: 500
December 17, 2014
Bowen Family Systems, Structural, and Strategic Models Theory Application
The case study of Ana will be analyzed using the Bowen Family Systems Theory Approach. Bowen Family Systems Theory is a theory of human behavior that views the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to describe the complex interactions in the unit (Kerr, 2000). This paper will discuss the concepts of the theory that is appropriate for this case study; the reason this theory was chosen over the other ones; counseling goals and intervention strategies in accomplishing those goals; and designation of short or long term counseling. This paper will also discuss the counselor’s role with Ana; the client’s role in counseling; the population this theory is most appropriate for as well as addressing the social and cultural needs of the client; any additional information that might be helpful to know about this case; and what are the risks, if any, of using this approach.
What concepts of the theory make it the most appropriate for the client in the case study? Include at least five concepts. There are five concepts that would make this theory appropriate for the client in the case study. The first concept in this Bowen Family Systems Theory Approach is triangles. What is a triangle? According to Kerr (2000), a triangle is a three-person relationship system. This triangle is a part of a bigger emotional system because a triangle is the smallest stable relationship system. These triangles involve, according to Murdock (2013), two people that are the “in” group and one person that is the “outside” group. Triangles form when the anxiety levels rise in a relationship or family (Titelman, 2008). Individuals (or families) with low levels of differentiation are more likely to triangle because more emotion is involved (Kerr, 1981). As a
References: Bowen, M. (1978). Family therapy in clinical practice. New York: Jason Aronson. Day, H. D., St. Clair, S., & Marshall, D. D. (1997). Do people who marry really have the same level of differentiation of self? Journal of Family Psychology, 11 Greene, G.J., & Mabee, T. F. (1992). Differentiation of self and marital adjustment of clinical and nonclinical spouses. In B.J. Brothers (Ed.), Couples therapy, multiple perspectives: In search of universal threads. New York: Haworth Press. Grand Canyon University (2014). Case study analysis. Kerr, M.E. (1981). Family systems theory and therapy. In A.S. Gurman & D.P. Kniskern (Eds.), Handbook of family therapy Kerr, Michael E. (2000). One Family’s Story: A Primer on Bowen Theory. The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family Miller, R.B., Anderson, S., & Keala, D.K. (2004). Is Bowen theory valid? A review of basic research Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2008). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (5th Ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Titelman, P. (2008). The concept of the triangle in Bowen theory: An overview. In P. Titelman (Ed.), Triangles: Bowen family systems theory perspectives New York: Routledge. Withers, R. (2012). A comparative study of Bowenian system theory and cognitive-behavioral family therapy