References
- Brown, J. (2024). Bowen family systems theory and practice: Illustration and critique revisited. Contemporary Family Therapy, 46(3), 250-261. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381014808_Bowen_family_systems_theory_and_practice_Illustration_and_critique_revisited
- Calatrava, M., Springs, J. A., & Meneses, G. (2021). A scoping review of Bowen Family Systems Theory’s core construct. Journal of Family Therapy, 43(4), 556-582. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34823190/
- Lilliengren, P. (2023). Mechanisms of change in focused psychodynamic therapy. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, 37(4), 295-312. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/28324765.2023.2266229
- Abbasi, I. S., & Clulow, C. (2021). A brief psychodynamic intervention for couples with unresolved grief: A case study report. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 20(4), 334-350. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354964712_A_brief_psychodynamic_intervention_for_couples_with_unresolved_grief_a_case_study_report
- Pinquart, M., Oslejskova, E., & Johansson, C. (2024). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy for young adults. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1366032. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1366032/full
Module Three Application Assignment: Psychodynamic Theory and Family Counseling
Overview
Think about the potential differences between counseling couples and families and counseling individuals. It’s fascinating how these differences can reveal deeper layers of human connection that often go unnoticed in solo sessions.
What knowledge might you glean from a couple or family in counseling that you cannot garner from working with an individual? What types of interventions or approaches can you institute with a couple or family in counseling that you cannot with an individual? Exploring these questions can open your eyes to the rich, multifaceted nature of relationships.
This week, you will learn about the family as a system. Understanding the systems process in a family is fundamental to the counseling process. You will evaluate the use of psychodynamic theory and the associated techniques. Appreciating this systemic view feels like unlocking a key to more effective support for those we help.
In this assignment, you will discuss the process of psychodynamic family counseling and Bowen’s transgenerational approach. You will describe the common techniques used by psychodynamic theorists and provide support for their use in marriage, couple, and family counseling. Delving into these elements brings a sense of empathy for the complexities families navigate every day.
You should also review all supplemental materials, and use the rubrics as guides to help you complete the assignment. This assignment will count toward your final grade and is due by Day 7, and is worth 100 points. Engaging fully with these tools makes the learning journey more personal and impactful.
Directions
Review this week’s Learning Resources and think about the different types of psychodynamic family counseling. Spending time with these resources often leads to those “aha” moments that stick with you long after.
Also think about the techniques used by psychodynamic theorists. Consider the learning resources and respond to the following: Connecting these ideas to your own experiences can make the concepts feel more alive and relatable.
- Psychodynamic approaches have been criticized for having a strong historical focus, the concern being families may focus on their history rather than present issues and problems. Reflecting on this critique invites us to balance the past with the here and now in meaningful ways. What are the advantages and disadvantages of only focusing on an historical approach?
- How would Murray Bowen or Nathan Ackerman respond to this criticism? Imagining their perspectives adds a layer of wisdom from pioneers who shaped the field.
- Make a strong case for the value of genograms in therapeutic work. These visual tools can transform abstract ideas into something tangible and healing for families.
- Reflect on your own transgenerational families and provide a reflection about how the concepts of psychodynamic theory fit for your family of origin.
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