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Category Archives: bowen family systems theory
Systems Misunderstandings (Part 1)
Few things escape the consequences of their own success. This axiom seems true even of Bowen Family Systems Theory. It seems that systems theory is now the “in” thing—never have there been as many courses offered, or more “experts” expounding … Continue reading
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A basic BFST reading list
Every once in a while I get a request for a basic reading list for studying Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST). The good news is that I find I need to update that basic list as more good resources become … Continue reading
Posted in books, bowen family systems theory, leadership, personal growth
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What your mother said
Most of us carry a little tape in our heads of things our mothers said repeatedly. And sometimes we repeat those things, often unintentionally mimicking mom’s voice. One of those things your mother probably said, especially if you had siblings, … Continue reading
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Will or willfulness?
A reader on Margaret Marcuson’s blog, The Leadership Circle blog, asked a good question that comes up every now and again. He asked about the difference between having a will and willfulness. It’s a point of misunderstanding I hear now … Continue reading
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Kudos to Meg Hess in CC
I was gratified to read a fine article by Margaret “Meg” Hess in the current issue of the Christian Century magazine. Meg is a participant in the Leadership in Ministry Workshops (LIM) and has written a couple of articles for … Continue reading
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Is BFST objective or subjective?
A friend asked about where Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) fell in the divide between subjective and objective. It was an interesting question that led to some stimulating conversation. Personally, I’d put BFST more on the subjective-interpretive side.
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It should be obvious
Some things should be obvious, but often we require someone to point out the obvious to us. A man walks into a doctor’s office. He has a cucumber up his nose, a carrot in his left ear and a banana … Continue reading
Posted in bowen family systems theory, children, personal growth
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Equipotentiality and Equifinality
Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST), provides what any good theory does, namely, a rigorous, tested frame of reference for interpreting observable phenomenon. It offers a language for categorizing objects and naming dynamics, and it explain what was formerly unexplainable. Theories … Continue reading
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Taking responsibility for one’s own feelings
Learning to take responsibility for our own feelings can be hard work. Our culture certainly doesn’t help given its propensity for encouraging a “victim” mentality. People seem to “take offense” readily at just about anything. And too many encourage that … Continue reading
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Imaginative Gridlock
I’ve been working with a couple of organizations that are “stuck” but motivated enough to get moving toward becoming “healthier.” As I witness the process of working with the leaders and employees of both organizations I’m reminded of some fundamental … Continue reading
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