Family counseling

We get it, families are often far from the picture perfect happy holiday cards we receive in the mail every year. While every family experiences conflict, a lot of families don’t know how to handle that conflict in a healthy and productive way. Bowen family systems therapy focuses on the relationships within a family and how they interact with each other. It is based on the following principles:

1. The family is a system: Bowenian family therapy views the family as a complex system of interconnected individuals who influence and are influenced by one another.
2. Emotions are contagious: The emotions and behaviors of one family member can have a ripple effect on the rest of the family.
3. Differentiation of self: Bowenian family therapy emphasizes the importance of individuals being able to maintain a clear sense of self and individuality within the context of their family relationships.
4. Triangles: In Bowenian family therapy, the concept of triangles refers to the dynamic of three people in a relationship. It is believed that when two people have a problem, they often bring in a third person to help relieve tension and avoid dealing with the issue directly.
5. Nuclear family emotional process: This refers to the way that unresolved emotional issues from one generation can be passed down to the next, impacting the emotional functioning of the entire family system.
6. Multigenerational transmission process: This concept refers to the way that patterns of behavior and relationship dynamics within a family can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Some benefits of Bowenian family therapy include:

1. Improved communication: Bowenian family therapy can help families improve their communication skills and learn how to express their thoughts and feelings in a healthy way.
2. Increased understanding: Therapy can help family members gain a deeper understanding of each other's needs, values, and perspectives, which can improve the overall quality of their relationships.
3. Improved problem-solving skills: Therapy can help families develop better problem-solving skills, which can be especially helpful when it comes to resolving conflicts and working through challenges.
4. Increased awareness: Bowenian family therapy can help individuals become more self-aware and better understand how their actions and behaviors affect the dynamics of the family system.
5. Improved relationships: Therapy can help families improve their relationships with each other and build stronger, more supportive bonds.

Overall, Bowenian family therapy can be a valuable resource for families looking to improve their relationships and create a more positive and healthy family dynamic.