Bowen family systems theory: case study of couple dynamics and genogram work

¶ … David & Beth

Genograms are a tool often employed by Bowenian therapists who work form a systems theory perspective. Systems theory focuses on the relationships between entities, objects or individuals who co-exist within a larger organization, group, or system. Systems theory lends itself very well to studying families and relationships because it recognizes that no couple or family is an island, but rather, every family exists within a larger social environment that includes extended family members, friends, co-workers, acquaintances and society at large. As such, systems theory is an excellent framework from which to examine communication and functioning within families and relationships. Genograms are conceptually very similar to family trees, except that they go beyond demonstrating simple biological and matrimonial bonds. Rather, they provide more detailed information, in a graphical manner, about the various relationships between people who exist within a family. By using different colors, patterns and symbols, individuals can work together with a therapist to build a genogram of their family that represents a great deal of detailed information about how their family system functions. For example, abusive relationships can be indicated with one color while supportive relationships are indicated by another. The genogram allows individuals to represent their family in terms of emotional relationships as well as specific circumstances, such as mental and physical health issues or socioeconomic issues that exist within the family system. As such, by looking at a family's genogram it is possible to learn a great deal about how the family communicates and functions.

On my first session with Beth and David I would first ask Beth to describe the genogram to David and I. I would ask her to explain what all the various colors and symbols mean and then ask her what she thinks about the accuracy and usefulness of the genogram. One of the things that can be highlighted by a genogram is how communication and behavior can be passed from one generation to the next. I would ask Beth to think about what communication skills she has learned, either good or bad, by being a member of her family system. Next, I would ask David to think about the same question, even though he does not have is own family genogram. Once both David and Beth had given this question some thought, I would ask them both to add themselves to Beth's Family genogram. Specifically, I would want them to show the various types of relationships they have with Beth's family, as well as with David's family, and how each of them have learned their personal style of communication from their family members and social environment. At this point I would ask David and Beth to reflect on what this exercise has taught them about their communication skills. Hopefully, David and Beth will independently develop some insight into why they have the occasional blowups. Perhaps they have incompatible communication styles, or perhaps they have picked up on bad habits from their family. For example, it is possible that David communicates in a manner similar to someone in Beth's family and thus Beth may be overly defensive because when she reacts to David, she is actually reacting to the other family member of whom David reminds her. If they did not come to any insights on their own I would ask further prodding questions and try to guide them towards an understanding of how their families and social environments have shaped who each of them are today and how they communicate with one another.