Differentiation, a controversial concept
Introduction
At his last public meeting 2 days before his death in 1990,
Murray Bowen spoke with a mix of humour and seriousness about how he often wishes
that he never came up with the term differentiation of self, as people have been
arguing about its meaning ever since.
Bowen's concept of differentiation of self
Based upon direct observation of family interaction in a research setting,
Bowen's concept of differentiation addresses individual variation along a particular continuum.
That continuum, called the scale of differentiation of self, reflects the individual's
ability to note the difference between processes of thought and those of emotion and to integrate
them effectively to make choices and to function in life.
This section of the program described the concept of differentiation of self and
considered its value to the individual and to the family.
Applying differentiation to the therapist's own life
The study of differentiation of self reaches far beyond the clinician's consulting room.
Clinicians working effectively with the Bowen theory bring the study of differentiation
to their own lives and work toward enhanced functional levels of differentiation into their own families.
Training at the Bowen Centre focuses clinicians on learning about the emotional processes in
themselves and their families of origin; and on defining themselves in relationships to important others.
Rather than being the effort of a weekend or a week, the work toward knowledge of and ability
to function with differentiation of self occurs in micro steps as the clinician brings powers of observation,
analysis, decision-making and ultimately behaviour to his or her efforts to be a self in important
relationships.
The role of self soothing in defining a self
There is a growing interest in the therapeutic community in the concept of "self soothing"
- the individual's capacity to calm oneself from within, to manage and regulate affect
in productive (as opposed to harmful) ways, especially when emotional discomfort and
anxiety levels are high.
The ability to self sooth while remaining connected to significant others is said
to be an essential expression of differentiation of self.
This presentation explored some of the fundamental assumptions underlying
the concept of self soothing and some of the different ways it has been conceptualised.
It discussed its central components, explored how it can be learned and how a therapist can
facilitate this process for clients.
Roadblocks to differentiation of self for our clients and ourselves
Panel and Questions.
Provided an opportunity for dialogue on the issues presented throughout the day.
Presenters
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Differentiation in the therapist's own life and work;