CHAPTER 9: Transgenerational Theories: Psychodynamic Family Theory and Bowen Family Systems Theory Family Therapy: History, Theory, and Practice 6th Edition Samuel T. Gladding Developed by Nathaniel N. Ivers, Wake Forest University © (2015, 2011, 2007) by Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Overview Psychodynamic Family Therapy Bowen Family System Therapy Unique Aspects of Psychodynamic and Bowen Approaches to Family Therapy

Psychodynamic Family Therapy Major Theorists Premises of the Theory Treatment techniques Role of the Therapist Process and Outcome Defense Mechanisms Unique Aspects

Psychodynamic Family Therapy: Major Theorists Nathan Ackerman Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy James Framo Theodore Lidz Norman Paul Donald Williamson Robin Skynner Lyman Wynne

Psychodynamic Family Therapy: Premises of the Theory Based on the classic work of Sigmund Freud Resolving conflict occurs through two actions: Strengthening defenses against conflicted wish Relaxing defenses to permit some gratification Understanding one’s unconscious by taking into account context Interlocking pathology

Object Relations Theory Bridge between classical Freudian theory and family therapy Object: something that is loved, usually a person Object relations relationship between two people that includes deep emotional attachments. Can exist in the outer world or in the unconscious, inner world Can explain relationships across generations

Object Relations Theory Splitting Unconscious procedure in which object representations are perceived as all good or all bad Allows people to control their anxiety and objects by making them predictable Provides a way for psychodynamic clinicians to explain reasons for marital choices and family interaction patterns Stresses the value of working with the unconscious

Psychodynamic Family Therapy: Treatment Techniques Transference Dream and Daydream Analysis Confrontation Focusing on Strengths Life History Complementarity Interpretation

Psychodynamic Family Therapy: Role of the Therapist Teacher Good enough Mother Catalyst

Psychodynamic Family Therapy: Process and Outcome Free family members of unconscious restrictions Help family members interact with one another as a whole, on the basis of current realities rather than past, unconscious images Outcomes Differentiation of self Crisis resolution – symptom reduction

Defense Mechanisms Repression Denial Regression Projection Rationalization Reaction Formation Displacement

Psychodynamic Family Therapy: Comparison with Other Theories Linearity – focusing on cause-and-effect interactions Expense and time commitments Intellectual ability Empirical research

Bowen Family Therapy Major Theorists Premises of the Theory Treatment techniques Role of the Therapist Process and Outcome Unique Aspects

Bowen Family Therapy: Major Theorists Murray Bowen Noticed similarities between dysfunctional families and families with members with schizophrenia Began Georgetown Family Center Symposium Founded the American Family Therapy Academy (AFTA) Michael Kerr

Bowen Family Therapy: Premises of the Theory Chronic anxiety in life that is inherent in life Anxiety manifests both emotionally and physically Some are more affected by anxiety than others, depending on how previous generations expressed anxiety Chronic anxiety negatively affects families

Bowen Family Therapy: Basic Concepts Differentiation of Self Nuclear family emotional process Bowen transmission process Family projection Triangles Cutoffs Sibling position Emotional process in society

Bowen Family Therapy: Treatment Techniques Genograms Going Home Again Detriangulation Person-to-Person Relationships Differentiation of Self Asking Questions

Bowen Family Therapy: Role of the Therapist Differentiated - objective and neutral Coach and teacher Co-interpreters with their clients in assessing and working through Bowen patterns of fusion and cuttoffs.

Bowen Family Therapy: Process and Outcome Understand intergenerational patterns and gain insight into historical circumstances that affect interactions Emphasis of change is with the individual or couple Most rapid family change occurs when spouses work together in therapy

Bowen Family Therapy: Unique Aspects Calls attention to family history and the importance of noticing and dealing with past patterns Uses genograms Systemic in nature, controlled in focus, and cognitive in practice Can be used with individuals and couples, as well as families