Bowen Family Systems: Case Study Analysis
Introduction
Bowen family systems therapy helps counselors in defusing clients’ rate of depression and anxiety. (Priest, 2015). The theory is widely used by counselors in exploring the right approaches to balancing a client’s self. By the exploration of a patient’s family as well as the individual constructs, a client works towards finding her balance. In this assignment, an argument why Bowen family systems theory fits in this client’s situation, counseling roles, and its risks will be done.
What concepts of the theory make it the most appropriate for the client in the case study?
In the context of our case, there are two Bowen family systems theory concepts that make it most appropriate in helping Ann, chronic anxiety and differentiation. (Murdock N. L., 2015). The process for healing Ann entails the discovery and an exploration about her past experiences in order to come up with strategies of finding balance in her present situation. Supported by a therapist, Ann will maneuver for self-balance and get the right approaches of working via her anxiety. These two concepts intermix for disturbance of Ann’s relationships cause anxiety, and this is being investigated via differentiation. (Murdock N. , 2013). Ann is now experiencing relationship shift with her husband and family. By working to define Ann’s roles, the depression and anxiety that she is undergoing will subside.
Why did you choose this theory over the others?
In reference to the case under analysis, Bowen family system theory was chosen over structural and strategic theories of counseling because it focuses on the family as a unit and just for the individual alone. (Richard, Shayne, & Davelyne, 2007). Although Ana is seeking for counseling alone, there underlies other issues affecting her which most likely involves and engages her family as well. In comparison with structural and strategic theories, Bowen’s approach is more diverse when addressing issues of stress, anxiety, hopelessness, and depression. (Priest, 2015). In the context of family, Bowen family system theory explores any stressors relating to the family. Also, since Bowen systems therapy is more sequential as the client undergoes the process of self-understanding and recovery process.
What will be the goals of counseling and what intervention strategies are used to accomplish those goals?
In this case, the main goal of Bowen family systems therapy is helping the client separately from her family. As per (Murdock N. L., 2015), Ann needs to understand that this separation mode or counseling does not mean that she requires distancing herself from the rest of the family. The use of Bowen systems therapy will help the client change the manner in which she reactivates in relationships as well as alter her way of stress management. In order to effectively achieve these counseling goals, one intervention strategy will be used by the therapist as explained in the Bowel systems therapy concepts. Process questioning will be the right intervention strategy in this case. As argued by (Murdock N. , 2013), a counselor asks the client questions in order to assist the client avoid all emotions associated with content questions.
Is the theory designed for short- or long-term counseling?
According to (Priest, 2015), Bowen systems therapy is designed to facilitate long-term counseling. This is because in Bowel systems therapy, treatment of an individual could potentially take various years before its proper completion. However, Bowel systems counseling greatly depend on the client’s ability to advance towards meeting the set goals of her treatment. The ability to boldly overcome any external….
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What will be the counselor’s role with this client?
What is the client’s role in counseling?
For what population(s) is this theory most appropriate? How does this theory address the social and cultural needs of the client?
According to (Murdock N. L., 2015), Bowen family systems theory is against many culturally established norms that are considered to support families and individuals separation. Murdock, (2013) argues that Bowen family systems therapy is not appropriate in treating close-knit Latino families as well as Black-American families due to their close family ties with each other. Any other population can be treated using this approach.
What additional information might be helpful to know about this case?
What may be a risk in using this approach?
The main risk of using Bowel family systems theory is that the counselor could potentially get involved in the client’s triangle, something which risks confidentiality and privacy of family members without their consent. (Murdock N. , 2013). The other risk of this approach is that the moment the therapist gets emotional or subjective, the objectivity and focus of the counseling goal may get lost. Also, when the client becomes more focused on her problems and blames, then the exercise might take longer than desired or set for by the counselor. (Murdock N. L., 2015). In our case, Ann’s habit to blame her problems on herself will mean that her recovery process will not improve but rather her situation worsens more.
Conclusion
To conclude, this case study analysis used the Bowen family system therapy in treating Ann’s depression, stress, and anxiety. The concepts that make Bowen’s approach more appropriate in this case were put forth, and also the reasons for choosing it over structural and strategic theories. Counselors should consider using this approach when handling family related concerns by a client.
References
Murdock, N. (2013). Theory is a good thing, theories of counseling and pyschotherapy: A case approach (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.
Murdock, N. L. (2015). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A case approach . Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Priest, J. B. (2015). A Bowen Family Systems Model of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Romantic Relationship Distress. Journal of Marital & Family Therapy, 41(3), 340-353.
Richard, M. B., Shayne, A., & Davelyne, K. K. (2007). IS BOWEN THEORY VALID? A REVIEW OF BASIC RESEARCH. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 30(4), 30. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2004.tb01255.x