Category Archives: bowen family systems theory

Self care and self-definition

Posted on November 25, 2008 by Israel Galindo

For ministers, and aspiring ministers, who embrace that part of their calling involves service to others, self-denial, and self-sacrifice, investing in self-care can be a challenge. Whatever its source, feelings of obligation, guilt, or shame; or a lacking sense of … Continue reading →

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A classic pastoral triangle

Posted on November 17, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I’ve experienced the third instance in recent months of a classic pastoral triangle. It’s “classic” in the sense that it has all of the components of an “elegant” emotional process triangle: (1) it is generated by anxiety, (2) its source … Continue reading →

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Functioning at one’s best

Posted on November 11, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I received an interesting question about Bowen’s concept of self-differentiation. The question, an imaginative one, was “what if” some day scientists discovered a “differentiation gene.” It was fun to ponder, but, genes don’t work that way. More to the point, … Continue reading →

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Why triangles are “bad”

Posted on November 10, 2008 by Israel Galindo

One misunderstanding about basic concepts of Bowen Family Systems theory has to do with assigning value statements. For example, the notion that overfunctioning is “bad.” Overfunctioning, like other behaviors are not “bad” or “good,” they are merely functions, symptoms, or … Continue reading →

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If it’s a choice between…

Posted on November 5, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Self-differentiation is all about functioning. One manifestation of the extent to which one is functioning in a self-differentiated manner is how well one can separate feeling from thinking. I recently consulted with a normally steady and effective staff person who … Continue reading →

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The Myth of Competence

Posted on October 30, 2008 by Israel Galindo

Some years ago I did a presentation titled “The Myth of Competence.” It developed out of my observation that so many leaders live under a crushing load of performance-anxiety and a frame of mind I called the myth of competence. … Continue reading →

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“I don’t want to do that.”

Posted on October 28, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I was intrigued by overhearing a common phrase last week. Overheard several times was the phrase, “I don’t want to do that.” It’s a common enough phrase (anyone who has ever had a three or four year old around the … Continue reading →

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How to learn BFST

Posted on October 27, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I received an e-mail from a friend who has been studying Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) for the past few years. He has been reading the literature, asking good questions, and at one point sought out a therapist to serve … Continue reading →

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Novelty, reflection, and learning

Posted on October 20, 2008 by Israel Galindo

I’ve observed that most folks settle into a professional routine (a rut, really) that intersects with the achievement of a certain level of competence. Once they learn the job and find efficient (if not effective) ways of doing it, they’ll … Continue reading →

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The power of multigenerational transmission in congregations

Posted on October 15, 2008 by Israel Galindo

The Bowen theory concept of multigenerational transmission in families, although often difficult to accept, is logically appreciated. Families pass along habits, traditions, beliefs, grudges, feuds, genes, and emotional process down the generations. That force can be as powerful as a … Continue reading →

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