Bowenian Therapist to That of the Psychodynamic

¶ … Bowenian Therapist to that of the Psychodynamic Therapist

Bowenian Therapist vs. Psychodynamic Therapist: Roles Comparison

In this text, I seek to compare the role of psychodynamic therapists with that of Bowenian therapists. However, in seeking to compare the said roles, it would be prudent to first offer a brief definition of the two theories. Regarded one of the most comprehensive and perhaps earliest family systems functioning theories, "Bowen family systems theory is a theory of human behavior that views the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to describe the complex interactions in the unit" (Brok and Saks 2008, p.135). Psychodynamic therapy in the words of Haggerty (2006) "focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person's present behavior."

To begin with, while many psychodynamic therapists as the National Center for Biotechnological Information - U.S. National Library of Medicine (2013) observes work with clients having substance-abuse related problems, most Bowenian therapists work with family units and marital couples. A Bowenian therapist recognizes the need for members of the family to identify themselves as individuals. For this reason, therapy founded on this particular theory attempts to be not only neutral but also "de-triangled from the client and his/her emotional entanglements within his/her family" (Titelman 1998, p.33). The role of the Bowenian therapist in this particular case is therefore largely observatory. It should however be noted that although the therapist must maintain objectivity in his or her interactions with the client, he or she must show some level of concern towards the family (Galica. 2013). According to the author, this the therapist could do by amongst other things convincing the family that he or she has the best interests of the family at heart. The said therapist must however ensure that he or she is not ensnared in emotions and triangles. If for some reason a Bowen-oriented therapist feels that he or she cannot be neutral in absolute terms, he ors she should avoid triangulating, for instance, with a couple (Galica, 2013). Like is the case with psychodynamic therapy, a Bowen-oriented therapist must however ensure that sessions remain focused on the most relevant/important issue.

As the National Center for Biotechnological Information - U.S. National Library of Medicine (2013) observes, psychodynamic therapists are expected to ensure that the main issues remain the key focus of their sessions with clients. In the final analysis, a Bowen-oriented therapist heavily relies on objective thought and observation powers to familiarize himself with the goings on in families that are troubled. A psychodynamic therapist on the other hand recognizes and respects the uniqueness of individuals and the difficulties they could be encountering. In seeking to bring about lasting change, a psychodynamic therapist cannot therefore adopt a "one size fits all" approach. On this front, both psychodynamic therapy and Bowen therapy can be contrasted from cognitive-behavioral therapy where general directive techniques are commonly used.

The techniques employed in both cases are also largely similar. For instance, according to Galica (2013), questioning remains one of the main techniques Bowenian therapists apply in seeking to remain in touch with the problems of the client. Questioning as a technique is also commonly used by psychodynamic therapists in an attempt to identify the root cause of the problems their clients are encountering at a given point in time. Other techniques which could be used in both cases include but they are not limited to self-examination and self-reflection.

Both psychodynamic therapists and Bowenian therapists also attempt to understand how clients relate with others in their lives. One of the key roles of a psychodynamic therapist is to ensure that the contact individuals have with themselves is enhanced. This is more so the case with regard to their feelings and thoughts which are in most cases not readily visible. A psychodynamic therapist may also assume a subdued role in the course of his or her interaction with the client. In such a case, the client could be permitted to do most of the talking with the therapist lending a tentative year. The role of the therapist in this case is to therefore guide the client as he or she seeks to unveil all the underlying issues. It is after the underlying negative factors are identified that the psychodynamic therapist formulates ways of enabling the client to move on. Bowenian therapist must however keep in mind that self-differentiation in this case remains a key goal of therapy. According to Galica (2013), the relevance of self- differentiation in this case cannot be overstated.