Clinical Application of Bowen family Systems theory SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL DAY OF WORKSHOPS. Friday, February 27, Lake Street Church of Evanston

Transcription

1 Clinical Application of Bowen family Systems theory SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL DAY OF WORKSHOPS Friday, February 27, 2015 Lake Street Church of Evanston 607 Lake Street (Northwest Corner of Chicago & Lake) Evanston, Illinois Sponsored by Center for Family Consultation

2 Program Clinical Application of Bowen Family Systems Theory Dr. Murray Bowen developed a comprehensive new theory of the family. Based on his view of the human as part of nature and the family as a natural system, Dr. Bowen describes the emotional process and the automatic patterns of behavior among family members. He is best known for his concept of differentiation of self and the scale of differentiation that describes the broad range of variation in human emotional functioning. 8:30 A.M. Registration and Coffee 9:00 A.M. KEYNOTE ADDRESS Defining a Self in a Regressing World Stephanie Ferrera, M.S.W. Murray Bowen observed that families, or whole societies, at times of increasing anxiety, become vulnerable to regression. He defined regression as a shift in the balance of togetherness and individuality. People automatically pull together, becoming less tolerant of those who don t fit in. Each shift changes the level of tension and norms of behavior within the family or society. Writing in the 1970 s, Dr. Bowen saw a number of indicators of societal regression; what he saw then is all the more evident today. One aspect of regression is the increasing focus on the other and use of force to change or control the other. Ms. Ferrera will explore this process and its repercussions on both the societal and the family levels. Regression begins to reverse as the force for individuality in the group increases. This shift begins with a single group/family member who begins to take responsibility for self, defines principles for action, and is able to stand firm against the pressures of the group to change back. This process is at the heart of clinical work based on Bowen theory. Ms. Ferrera is a founding partner and faculty member of the Center for Family Consultation and a family therapist in private practice. 10:20 A.M. Break 10:35 A.M. Video and Discussion: Chemical Dependency and Systems Thinking Part I (1983) In this videotape a couple discusses their experience with alcohol problems and the impact of those problems on their children. Dr. Bowen broadens the focus by looking at the background forces that played a part in influencing the couple s life course. In general, chemical dependency is a product of family cutoff. Other important factors are the milieu in which the drinking occurs, the time when drinking becomes important, the reaction of others to the drinking, and what people have tried to do about it. The tape also demonstrates the resources within the family for dealing with this multigenerational phenomenon. Sydney Reed, M.S.W., will lead a discussion following the videotape. 12:00 P.M. Lunch 1:30 P.M. Lisa Moss, M.S.W. Family of Origin Work: Challenges and Opportunities It has been said that in Bowen s Family Systems Theory, the paradigm of the family as a system must be understood first-hand, as well as theoretically. This workshop will explore the presenter s efforts to learn theory by becoming more knowledgeable about self and family. Over a period of nine years, this therapist has explored and learned theory through family of origin work.

3 The workshop will identify and explore universal and predictable patterns in the family of origin and this presenter s attempts to recognize these patterns in both nuclear and extended families. Efforts to define a self, efforts at becoming objective in the family of origin, the parental triangle, marital moves and parenting in anxious times are all topics relevant to this presenter s efforts to both study and live a principled life with theory as a guide. The challenges of becoming objective and the process of defining a self will be explored. Jennifer Howe, M.S.W. We See What We Are Looking For: Trauma Treatment Through a Bowen Lens Much of current trauma treatment seems to rely on Stephen Porges' "Polyvagal Theory", a theory that has been useful for understanding our physiological responses to threat. This workshop will explore how the current emphasis on body-focused treatment seems to maintain responsibility for the family/societal emotional process in the individual, and would examine how introducing Bowen theory and broadening the focus might deepen our understanding of how physiological responses function in relation to others. Mindy Gold Banks, M.A. Rosalyn Chrenka, Ph.D. Bowen Theory for Newbies: A 60-Minute Short Course Through Media Portrayals Bowen's family systems theory targets and describes eight seminal processes of family functioning. As Dr. Daniel Papero described at the CFC Fall Conference 2014, Bowen had a genius for seeing these processes emotional fusion, bringing in a third person to stabilize a dyad, projection of anxiety by parents onto a child, among others. Yet the novice Bowen-influenced clinician or consultant can find it hard to grasp and envision these processes in their client families, and in their own families. Fortunately, television, theatre, and movie creators show their fascination with family emotional process in their artful offerings about the modern family. Join us for this presentation and see how media artistes portray the eight concepts, and how Bowen himself calls em as he sees em. Robert J. Noone, Ph.D. Growing Up in the Present The concept of differentiation of self describes both a developmental process and a level of functioning. Over the course of development individuals vary in the level of maturity they attain and in Bowen theory this involves the degree to which one assumes responsibility for self and relates responsibly to others. It involves the capacity to both regulate self and develop a direction for self in life. This presentation will discuss the effort to grow up in the present and use clinical examples of what s involved in a successful effort. 2:40 P.M. Break 2:50 P.M. Jane Turner, M.S.W. Applying Bowen Theory to the Field of Adoption Traditional Bowen family systems theory literature has only minimal reference to adoption and adoptive families. This presentation will show the applicability and benefits of viewing adoption through a Bowen theory lens. The relevance of cut-off, triangles, the family projection process, the benefit of getting to know one s family, and a unique use of the traditional family diagram will be highlighted. Lori Smith, R.N. Sydney Reed, M.S.W. When a Family Member Dies A death in the family represents a time of emotional intensity. This can be is a time of increased openness in the family presenting opportunities to forge meaningful relationships. It can also be a time of increased reactivity which can strain relationships and lead to distance and cut off. Bowen postulated that this

4 reactivity could produce an emotional shock wave that can produce symptoms in certain members. Examples of the emotional process in the family at a time of death will be presented with the focus on managing self. John Bell, M. Div. Keep Calm and Blame If you read or listen to a news report, you'll find plenty of examples of blame. Sit and listen to a client, parishioner or customer and you'll hear blame. There are two types of blame: blame of self and blame of others. Whether the conversation is about politicians, community leaders, or family members, blaming someone or ourselves for the problems we face serves a function. At the organizational level and the family level, blames creates stability at the expense of someone else. Murray Bowen saw blame of self and blame of others as part of the emotional process of projecting anxiety in the family. This presentation will look at the function of blame through the lens of Bowen family systems theory and what it means to be neutral with a family and an organization. CONFERENCE INFORMATION Date: Friday, February 27, 2015 Time: 8:30 a.m.: Registration and Coffee 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Conference Location: Lake Street Church of Evanston (Northwest corner of Chicago & Lake) 607 Lake Street, Evanston, Illinois (Note: The conference is not affiliated with Lake Street Church of Evanston) Parking: Lake Street Church has no parking. All day parking is available at the Self-Park facility at Church St. and Chicago Ave. (2 blocks north of the conference location). Entrance: Upon arrival, use the Chicago Avenue courtyard entrance. Conference Day CFC Phone Contact: Sydney Reed Continuing Education Credits: 5.5 credit hours for full-day attendees approved for: Social Workers Professional Counselors/Clinical Counselors Marriage and Family Therapists Clinical Psychologists REGISTRATION Deadline to register: February 20, 2015 Fees: $ ($75.00 for students with current I.D.) Workshop Choices: (Choose one in each time slot) 1:30 to 2:40 p.m. 1. Family of Origin Work: Challenges and Opportunities Lisa Moss 2. We See What We Are Looking For Jennifer Howe 3. Bowen Theory for Newbies Mindy Gold Banks & Rosalyn Chrenka 4. Growing Up in the Present Robert Noone 2:50 to 4:00 p.m. 1. Applying Bowen Theory to the Field of Adoption Jane Turner 2. When a Family Member Dies Lori Smith & Sydney Reed 3. Keep Calm and Blame John Bell Registration can be done: 1. By mail 2. On the website:

5 Registration Information: Name: Telephone: Address: City: State: Zip: To pay by check, please enclose checks payable to: Center for Family Consultation To pay by credit card, please complete the following: Visa MasterCard Card # Expiration Date Three digit CVC code on back of credit card Signature Total Amount Paid: Mail Registration To: Center for Family Consultation 820 Davis, Suite 504 Evanston, IL For additional information, call Sydney Reed