Comments on: BFST and individual personality theories

By: Carolyn Bartlett

Carolyn Bartlett — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:35:15 +0000

I share your interest in Bowen Family Systems and the Enneagram Personality System.
My perspective is clinical and I find both useful in effectively helping my clients. I have an
article on my web page for Enneagram enthusiasts to understand the Bowen model. Thanks, Carolyn

By: israel Galindo

israel Galindo — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:30:43 +0000

Thanks, Rebecca. There is a difference between being a theorist and an ideologist. Sometimes people who are passionate in their beliefs don’t recognized when they’ve crossed the line from one to the other.

By: Rebecca Maccini

Rebecca Maccini — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:49:16 +0000

I have been thinking about the issue of ’systems’ versus ‘individual’ understanding for seven years when I
became very interested in attachment theory. I have been thinking about how Bowen theory and attachment
theory complement one another. A number of those who study Bowen theory say that such a complement
cannot exist. Theoretically, this may be the case. However, clinically, I observe a lot of similarities
between Bowen therapy and attachment therapy. The attachment therapists, who are on the cutting edge of
counseling/coaching children and youth who are having a very difficult time in life with relationships
and living in famiies, are required to look at their own ‘attachment histories’ of their
family. In therapy, the overall emotional environment of family life is considered; and parents are required to
work on the relationship between mom and dad and take care of themselves before they delve into
the intense therapeutic work that is done with the children and youth.