Bowen's Analysis: Intergenerational Patterns Of Interaction

AN ANALYSIS OF WHERE GRANT’S IDENTITY IS ROOTED FROM AN INTERGENERATIONAL AND CHRISTIAN APPROACH:

Intergenerational Patterns of Interaction:
Multigenerational Emotional Processes:
According to Nichols (2013) and Papero (1990), Bowen’s theory highlights that family emotional processes operate from one generation to the next. Usually there is one sibling that is overly-involved with the marital dyad, producing triangulation. The invested child is believed to be slightly less differentiated from the parents than the other siblings. This theory also suggests that people marry partners with similar levels of differentiation and operate with the same or greater levels of emotional intensity than their parents; therefore these emotional processes

The main techniques that will be used to achieve the goals are: (1) drawing a genogram, which will help him to visually see how what the family transactional patterns of relating have been, (2) he will learn to operate in a neutralized triangle, because with this approach, the belief is that the therapeutic process is already a form of triangulation, and therefore this therapy is based on the premise that tension in relationships will dissipate if the individual remains in contact with a third person- and if that third person remains emotionally neutral and objective, (3) process questions will be asked during sessions to tone down the emotion and to foster self-reflection, which lowers anxiety and helps to neutralize the triangle, (4) the therapist will act as a coach, which is a means of asking questions designed to help increase his self-focus, so that he increases his awareness of his own role in the family emotional processes and how his responses contribute to the emotional field and (5) finally, Grant will be encouraged to take the “I” position, in which he will need to learn to express how he feels instead of pointing fingers at what others are

He will be encouraged to build a deep and ongoing relationship with Christ and he will be led through a process of confession and repentance to deal with the sin in his life. He will then be built up in scripture regarding where he needs to finds his security, significance and self-worth. It cannot be found in his “broken cisterns” (his old coping mechanisms of self-preservation), but he can only find it in His “living waters” (Jer 2:13). Changes in the rational circle can be brought about by using Cognitive Behavioural therapy and to encourage Grant to renew his mind with the word of God. Volitionally, he will be encouraged to establish new goals, and to behave in a way that is in line with the Truth. Emotionally, he will be encouraged to face and feel his emotions and he will be given guidelines and principles, as to how to respond in a healthy way to his emotions. And, finally, physically he will need to remember that his body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that a good diet and regular exercise is important to maintain and nourish the