Upload
erin-p-oconnor
View
210
Download
2
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Counseling Theories Integration Paper
Erin P. O’Connor
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
ST 5310 – 01 Counseling Theories
Professor Judy Dabler
Submitted: June 08, 2009
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 2
Introduction
Counseling Theories class has provided me with the opportunity to begin to explore the
different theoretical frameworks of counseling. From my preliminary exposure to the theories
presented in class, I believe that Murray Bowen’s family systems theory best reflects many of
my thoughts on counseling at this time.
I believe that Bowen’s family systems theory best reflects my current approach to
counseling for several reasons. First, I have experienced first-hand the power of looking at the
intergenerational structure of my family. Second, I have seen and experienced the destructive
nature of relationship triangles that have been filled with anxiety and angst. And last, I have
noticed that as I have differentiated myself more from my family of origin there has been a ripple
effect through all of the family relationships, causing them to be adjusted and realigned. I
believe that Bowen’s thoughts on the multigenerational transmission process, relationship
triangles, and the differentiation of self speak directly to my own experience. However,
Bowen’s family systems theory will not be the only framework from which I will counsel.
The other primary framework from which I will draw in my practice of counseling will
be from my Christian worldview. My Christian faith is at the very core of who I am. My
thoughts, actions, and responses are filtered through a Biblical foundation of conservative
Christian values. It is from this framework that I will examine Bowen’s theory and practice of
therapy.
Key Concepts of Bowen Family Systems Theory
“A family systems perspective holds that individuals are best understood through
assessing the interactions between and among family members” (Corey, 2009, p. 412). The
“patient” is seen as the family, not just the “sick” individual within the family. In family systems
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 3
theory, the system of the family is greater than the sum of the parts. Change in one part of the
system will invariably affect change in other parts, thus changing the entire system. The family
systems therapist tends to the structure of the family and the processes within the family. Bowen
family systems theory (or transgenerational family theory) sees “the family as an emotional unit,
a network of interlocking relationships, best understood when analyzed within a
multigenerational or historical framework” (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2008, p.175).
According to Bowen’s theory, there are eight interlocking concepts or forces that shape
families and their members. These concepts include differentiation of self, triangles, nuclear
family emotional system, family projection process, emotional cutoff, multigenerational
transmission process, sibling position, and societal regression (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2008,
p. 179). For the purpose of this paper, I will take a closer look at only three of these processes:
differentiation of self, triangles, and multigenerational transmission process.
Differentiation of Self
According to Kottler (2008), “Family systems therapy introduced the concept of
differentiation of self from the family” (p. 300). Differentiation of self is the “corner stone of
[Bowen’s] theory. Differentiation defines persons according to the degree they are able to
distinguish between their thinking process and their feeling process” (Wynn, 1987, p. 146). It “is
demonstrated by the degree to which a person can think, plan, and follow his or her own values,
particularly around anxiety-provoking issues, without having his or her behavior automatically
driven by the emotional cues from others” (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2008, p. 180). And
according to Waanders (1987), “Persons who are clearly differentiated selves are freer to relate
to one another in mature patterns,” maintaining a clear sense of self while remaining connected
to others, and “enhanc[ing] the functioning of the” relationships (p. 100-101).
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 4
In response to Bowen’s differentiation of self, there are two ways in which this concept
can be applied in a biblical context. First, Christian individuals are always a part of several
larger systems, including the Church. What makes a strong church are individuals with a strong
sense of self, individuals who have a strong set of values which will not be moved even in the
midst of highly emotional challenges. In this way, Christians are called to be “in the world,”
being agents of change and messengers of Christ but not “of the world,” following evil ways and
desires (John 15:19, John 17: 14-16, New American Standard Bible). Only a well differentiated
self can meet this challenge successfully. Second, differentiation of self is important to Christ’s
command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10: 27). An individual’s “ability to love the
other and God is contingent upon ongoing differentiation of self (‘love yourself’),” which is not a
narcissistic self-love (idolatry). “A differentiated person would enter into emotional closeness as
a free choice as opposed to being a desperate need,” which represents one of the aspects of
biblical love (David, 1979, p. 262). In some regards, “Bowen has [unintentionally] shifted the
focus back to a more biblical view of the individual as a part of one or more larger wholes”
(Richardson, 2005, p. 381).
Triangles
In addition to how well individuals differentiate themselves from their families, “family
systems theory also emphasizes emotional tension within the individual or in the person’s
relationships” (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2008), p. 183). When tensions are high between two
individuals, one or both of the individuals will bring in a third person in an attempt to relieve the
emotional anxiety. This process produces an emotional triangle. Triangles are a three-person
(mother-father-child) or a two persons-to-object (husband-wife-money) system. Triangles are
“the molecule or building block of any relationship system” (Bowen, 1978, p. 307). “Healthy”
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 5
triangles that reduce anxiety and promote emotional stability occur when the third individual acts
as a neutral party, listening to both sides of the argument without becoming emotionally involved
in it. If the third person in the triangle becomes emotionally involved in the tension, an
“unhealthy” triangle can form, which can destabilize the relationship further, causing greater
stress and anxiety, and often propagating the tension out to others (Bowen, 1978, p. 306-307).
From a Biblical worldview, Bowen’s triangles can actually offer an interesting look at
how Christ can enter people’s relationships with each other. First, in Christian marriage the
relationship between husband, wife, and Christ represents one of these triangles. The description
of this triangle can be found in Ephesians 5 where the wife is commanded to submit to and to
respect her husband (vs 22, 33) as unto Christ (vs 22, 23) and the husband is to love his wife (vs
25, 28, 33) just as Christ loved the church (vs 25, 29). Here the marriage triangle is strengthened
by the presence of Christ within it (David, 1979, p. 261). Second, by expanding this idea of
Christ being one of the corners of a triangle between two (not married) individuals, Christians
can follow the example of Christ by loving others “because He first loved us” (1John 4:19).
This passage demonstrates a person-person-God love triangle. One final note, I find it
interesting that God is present in three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, forming the
perfect triangle where perfect emotional health and complementarity exist.
Multigenerational Transmission Process
In addition to differentiation of self and relationship triangles, Bowen stresses the concept
of the multigenerational transmission process. The multigenerational transmission process
“defines the principle of projection of varying degrees of immaturity (undifferentiation) to
different children when the process is repeated over a number of generations” (Bowen, 1972, p.
159). “Severe dysfunction is conceptualized as the result of chronic anxiety transmitted over
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 6
several generations” (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2008, p. 189). This transmission process
produces individuals in subsequent generations with greater dysfunction, poorer differentiation,
and a greater reactivity to anxiety and stress.
Since the “multigenerational process provides a base from which to make predictions in
the present generation and gives us an overview of what to expect in coming generations”
(Bowen, 1972, p. 160), I believe that examples of the multigenerational transmission process can
be found within scripture. First, in Exodus 34: 7 we read where God says to Moses, “He will by
no means leave [the guilty] unpunished, visiting the iniquity [consequences] of fathers on the
children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations." This is an example of
how the consequences of the actions of one generation ripple through three additional
generations. In the New Testament, there are positive examples of the multigenerational
transmission process that can be found in Acts 11: 14 and Acts 16 were the results of one family
member’s conversion produces a ripple affect throughout the entire household. “The entire
household” most likely included children, who would also be saved, bringing the Gospel to their
offspring as well.
Bowen’s theory looks at the differentiation of self, triangles, and the multigenerational
transmission process and how they relate to healthy human functioning. However, before I look
at healthy human functioning, I will examine Bowen’s view of human nature.
Human Nature
Bowen’s view of humans and the family is a naturalistic one. It is “derived from the
biological view of the human family as one type of living system” (Goldenberg & Goldenberg,
2008, p. 178). “The human family system sprung from the evolutionary process and not from
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 7
the human brain… The emotional system is assumed to have been shaped and molded during the
evolutionary process” (Kerr & Bowen, 1988, p. 25 – 26).
In contrast, a Biblical view of humans and the human family is quite different from
Bowen’s. According to scripture, humankind stands at the panicle of God’s creative acts. “God
created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created
them” (Genesis 1:27). According to Kirwan (1984), “Human beings stand in a unique position
because they alone have been created in God’s image” (p. 73). This Imago Dei defines who we
are in relation to God and in relation to each other. In relation to God, humans are His children,
made for His glory. “We are made for Him as the eye is made for light” (Darling, 1969, p. 8).
In relation to each other, God designed us to be social individuals drawn into communities to
love, to serve, and to care for one another. Also, Psalm 8: 4-5 proclaims, “What is man that You
take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little
lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty!” (emphasis mine). There are no
other creatures that scriptures speak of as being created “a little lower than God.” Rather than
being the next rung on the evolutionary ladder, humans are a special creation, set aside for God’s
purposes.
Healthy Human Functioning
Based on Bowen’s theory, wellness within the individual is determined by the degree of
differentiation of self experienced by the individual from the family while remaining in
relationship with the family and its other members. Healthy relationships are considered to be
open. “An ‘open’ relationship system is one in which an individual is free to communicate a
high percentage of inner thoughts, feelings, and fantasies to another who can reciprocate”
(Bowen, 1991, p. 80).
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 8
Some of the Christian aspects of differentiation are discussed earlier in this paper. In
addition, Ephesians 4 speaks of healthy Christian functioning, which can also be seen as a type
of differentiation.
“As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried
about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful
scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is
the head, even Christ…” (vs 14-15).
This passage also encourages “open relationship systems” by “speaking the truth in love.” From
a Christian point of view, I believe that one aspect of healthy human functioning can be
determined by the degree of differentiation developed in an individual.
Human Dysfunction
For Bowen, human dysfunction is the inverse of healthy human functioning. According
to Bowen, “people at the low end of the [differentiation of self] scale are those whose emotions
and intellect are so fused that their lives are dominated by the feelings of those around them”
(Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2008, p. 182). These individuals experience a high level of anxiety
and stress, which they cannot relieve themselves. They remain so fearful and anxious that they
sacrifice any sense of self in order to be accepted by others (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2008, p.
182). Also, these individuals maintain closed communication systems. “The ‘closed’
communication system is an automatic emotional reflex to protect self from the anxiety….”
(Bowen, 1991, p. 80).
In one sense, I believe that Bowen’s thoughts on human dysfunction match well with the
Christian worldview, but I believe that he misses the origins of this human dysfunction. The
source of all human dysfunction is sin. “An important result of the fall is mental and emotional
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 9
suffering, formally labeled psychopathology” (Kirwan, 1984, p. 38). Sin breaks humankind’s
relationship with God (see Genesis 3: 8-10, 22-24), and it breaks people’s relationships with each
other (Genesis 3: 15-16). It even breaks humankind’s relationship with the rest of creation
(Genesis 3: 17-19). “We were intended to relate to our Creator and to other human beings in a
unique and fulfilling way” (Kirwan, 1984, p. 38). The root of human suffering and dysfunction
is the sin that separates individuals from the relationships for which they were designed.
The Therapeutic Process
Goal of Therapy
“The one most important goal of family systems therapy is to help family members
toward a better level of ‘differentiation of self’” (Bowne, 1978, p. 527). Differentiation of self
will promote detriangulation, repair any emotional cutoffs, and will encourage an increase in
cognitive functioning and a decrease in emotional reactivity (Walsh, 1982, p. 27). When viewed
within the Christian context, I believe that this is consistent with my theological framework.
However, I do believe that it falls short because it does not address the affects of sin, brokenness,
and human suffering on human relationships.
Therapist’s Function and Rule
“The most important aspect of the therapy depends on the therapist’s emotional
functioning, his ability to stay neutral in an emotional field, and his knowledge of triangles”
(Bowen, 1978, p. 313). The therapist is to maintain a “detached-involved position” (Goldenberg
& Goldenberg, 2008, p. 198). He or she is also a coach and a research investigator (asking the
families “hundreds of questions about the family system and avoiding interpretations” (Bowen,
1972, p. 165)). And finally, the therapist is expected to work on himself or herself in order to
increase differentiation and reduce any emotional involvement with the clients’ problems.
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 10
From a Christian perspective, there are arguments for both a “detached-involved”
therapist as well as a therapist who joins the family system in therapy. When the story of the
woman at the well is studied (John 4: 4-30), Christ’s involvement with the woman is calm and
apparently unemotional. And yet, the woman experiences a transformation and goes to share it
with others. However, in His time with the disciples, Jesus puts himself right in the middle of
the emotional process becoming a part of the disciples’ lives and calling them to join Him on His
journey. The disciples’ lives are changed because of the relationship they entered into with
Christ.
Theoretical Helping Process
The therapeutic helping process of Bowen’s family systems therapy is a cognitive
process. “The therapeutic principle is to keep tension low” (Bowen, 1972, p. 174). Within the
therapeutic environment, “the family learns ways to detect and solve problems that are keeping
members stuck, and it learns about patterns that have been transmitted from generation to
generation” (Goldenberg & Goldenberg, 2008, p. 465). “… Patients who can work out their
problems with the family of origin can carry over their solutions to other members of the family
and their own descendents” (Wynn, 1987, P. 145). While this therapeutic helping process does
not seem to conflict with a Christian worldview, I am struck by how Christ used cognitive
processes to increase tension within individuals rather than decrease tension (see the case of the
rich man in Matthew 19: 21-24). I believe the tension Christ provoked was meant to motivate
individuals to change and to choose to follow Him.
Strategies and Techniques
There are several strategies and techniques that Bowenian therapists use. First, “the
present approach involves constant activity by the therapist, who asks questions of [one
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 11
individual], defocusing feelings, while the other [family members] listen” (Bowen, 1972, p. 172).
He or she then reverses the process so that other family members answer questions while the first
participant listens. If working with only one family member, time is spent teaching the client
about how family systems function. Second, family members (or the individual) take time in
constructing a family genogram that includes at least three generations. The genogram is used
by both the therapist and the client(s) as a means to see relationship patterns over several
generations in a visual way. And third, participants in family therapy are coached to visit with
family members who are not present. These “Voyages Home” are meant to “repair old fractures
in relationships” (Wynn, 1987, p. 145).
None of these strategies or techniques conflict with my Christian worldview. In fact, I
see biblical examples of each in scripture. One of the ways in which Christ challenged people
was through the process of asking questions (some examples of this may be found in Mathew 8
& 9). Also, the Bible is filled with genealogies and the family histories of many individuals. In
the stories relationship patterns emerge that are meant to guide us and to teach us lessons (see the
stories of Moses and Aaron in Exodus, David and Nathan in 2 Samuel, or Ruth and Naomi in
Ruth). And finally, the “Voyages Home” could describe what seems like as a redemptive
process of reconciliation.
Application
Bowen’s family systems theory has many applications. It is useful in working with two-
parent families were the therapist works exclusively with the parents. As the parents improve
their relationship, the child’s (or children’s) symptomatic behavior decreases within the family
unit. It is also useful in working with one spouse in preparation for a more long-term process
with both spouses. In this case, there is typically one motivated spouse and one antagonistic
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 12
spouse. Therapy begins with the motivated spouse with the hopes that as the emotional tension
decreases, the antagonistic spouse asks to participate in the sessions. Bowenian therapists can
also work with a single family member. In this case, the therapist educates the one family
member on triangulation and differentiation, and he or she guides the client in observing his or
her family dynamics in order to make changes within those dynamics by relating to family
members differently (avoiding triangulation and exercising a greater degree of differentiation).
Multiple family group therapy is also used to encourage families to learn from other families
without becoming emotionally involved with them.
Conclusion
While this is only a preliminary discussion on the integration of the psychological theory
of Murray Bowen with the Christian faith, it seems that some of Bowen’s ideas run parallel to
those found in the Bible. Richardson (2005) believes, “Bowen has shifted the focus back to a
more biblical view of the individual as a part of one or more larger wholes” (p. 381). While
Richardson’s comment may be overstating the reality of how Bowen’s theory interacts with the
Christian faith, it is certainly true that “when Bible texts are used in combination with family
systems therapy, the healing potential of the counseling situation may be greatly enhanced”
(Blessing, 2000, p. 45).
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 13
REFERENCES
Blessing, K. (2000). Murray Bowen’s Family Systems Theory as Bible Hermeneutic Illustrated
Using the Family of the Prodigal Son. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, (19)1,
38-46.
Bowen, M. (1972). Family Therapy and Family Group Therapy. In H. I. Kaplan &
B. J. Sadock (Eds), Group Treatment of Mental Illness (pp. 145-181). New York:
Jason Aronson, Inc.
Bowen, M. (1978). Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. New York: Jason Aronson, Inc.
Bowen, M. (1991). Family Reaction to Death. In F. Walsh & M. McGoldrick (Eds),
Living Beyond Loss: Death in the Family (pp. 79-92). New York: W. W. Norton & Co.
Corey, G. (2009). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (8th ed.).
Belmont, CA: Thomas Higher Education.
Darling, H. W. (1969). Man in Triumph. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
David, J. R. (1979). The Theology of Murray Bowen or the Marital Triangle. Journal of
Psychology and Theology (7)4, 259-262.
Goldenberg, H., & Goldenberg, I. (2008). Family Therapy: An Overview (7th ed.).
Belmont, CA: Thomas Higher Education.
Kerr, M. & Bowen, M. (1988). Family Evaluation: An Approach Based on Bowen Theory.
New York: W. W. Norton & Co.
Kirwan, W. T. (1984). Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling: A Case for Integrating
Psychology and Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House Company.
Kottler, J. A. & Shepard, D. S. (2008). Introduction to Counseling: Voices in the Field.
Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher Education.
Counseling Theories Integration Paper 14
Richardson, R. W. (2005). Bowen Family Systems Theory and Congregational Life.
Review & Expositor, (102)3, 379-402.
Waanders, D. D. (1987). Ethical Reflections on the Differentiation of Self in Marriage.
The Journal of Pastoral Care, 41(2), 100-110.
Walsh, F. (1982). Conceptualizations of Normal Family Functioning. In F. Walsh (Ed.),
Normal Family Processes (pp. 3-42). New York: The Guilford Press.
Wynn, J. C. (1987). The Family Therapist. Old Tappan, NJ: Fleming H. Revell Company.