Clinical Application of Family Systems Theory
These 3 hour sessions will focus on a particular presenting problem.
The modules for the series come from Bowen’s concept of the
Nuclear Family Emotional system
where he proposed that symptoms appear in one of three areas:
a) Illness in a spouse;
b) Projection of a problem onto one or more children.
c) Couple conflict.
A case example will be used to illustrate a systems evaluation and treatment approach.
Pre-reading for each session will be provided. Registration is per module only.
"The degree to which the undifferentiation of a nuclear family system
is absorbed in one relationship or in the poor functioning of one person is the degree
to which other relationships and other people are protected from dysfunction." (Kerr & Bowen, 1988)
Module 1: Symptoms in Individuals:
"A relationship can influence an individual’s vulnerability to physical,
emotional and social illness... The person most prone to becoming symptomatic is the one who
makes most adjustments in his/her thought, feelings and behaviours to preserve relationship harmony." (Kerr & Bowen, 1988)
Session A: Depression;
Session B: Alcohol and addictions;
Session C: Post trauma symptoms.
Module 2: Symptoms in a Child/Adolescent:
"The degree of a child’s relationship dependence is a product of the particular
balance of forces that promote and undermine emotional separation of the child from the family...
When a parent and a child function in ways that undermine separation, the anxiety and undifferentiation
of the parental generation are transmitted to the next generation." (Kerr & Bowen, 1988)
Session A: Anxiety and social withdrawal;
Session B: Eating Disorders;
Session C: Mood issues & risk taking behaviours.
Module 3: Symptoms in a Relationship:
"The main problem [in couple discord] is not differences in point of view:
it is the emotional reactions to those differences. When people can listen without reacting emotionally,
communication is wide open and differences are an asset to a marriage, not a liability." (Kerr & Bowen, 1988)
Session A: Affairs;
Session B: Conflictual marriages;
Session C: Sexual problems.
Please refer to our timetable for up coming seminars.
Please refer to our schedule of fees for costs.
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