Category Archives: bowen family systems theory

Homeostatic perpetuation

Posted on January 7, 2009 by igalindo

We can all appreciate that homeostatic forces are powerful dynamics in systems, from family to governments. Homeostatic force has at least two characteristics: (1) its force comes as a multigenerational tidal wave, and therefore difficult to resist, and (2) like … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory | 2 Comments

So what’s it good for?

Posted on November 26, 2008 by igalindo

I recently heard again the pragmatist question “So what’s it good for?” related to systems theory. It’s a natural question whenever matters of theory arise. The best answer, of course, is that it’s a theory and therefore not really good … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, development theory | 1 Comment

Self care and self-definition

Posted on November 25, 2008 by igalindo

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 →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, congregational life, personal growth | 1 Comment

A classic pastoral triangle

Posted on November 17, 2008 by igalindo

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 igalindo

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 igalindo

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 igalindo

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 igalindo

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 igalindo

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 igalindo

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 →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, leadership, personal growth | 1 Comment