MFT Models Study Guide
Bowen theorist
(AnsMurray Bowen
Michael Kerr
Bowen concepts
(Ans-
▪anxiety
▪differentiation
▪emotional cut off
▪emotional systems
▪family projection process ▪functional level of depreciation ▪Fusion
▪multi-generational transmission process
▪nuclear family promotional system
▪sibling position
▪ triangulation
Bowen dysfunction
(Ans-
▪lack of differentiation results in marital conflict, dysfunction in a spouse, or
symptoms of dysfunction in one or more children
Bowen change
(Ans-
▪increasing the ability to distinguish between thinking and feeling within self
and others. Use this skill to direct one’s life and solve problems
Bowen stages
(Ans-
▪emphasize extended family.
▪Entire family need not to be present.
▪use of genogram.
▪Reduce anxiety
▪increase differentiation.
▪Open communication, resolve triangles.
Bowen stance
(Ans-
▪neutral
▪objective
▪coach
Bowen methods
(Ans-
▪process over content
▪genogram
▪”I” position
▪Detriangulation
▪create therapy triangle
▪often long-term
Bowen assessments
(Ans-
▪self reports.
▪Level of differentiation – use of scale.
▪degree of cut off.
▪Level of family anxiety and reactivity.
▪Triangles.
Contextual theorist
(Ans- Ivan Boszormenri-Nagy
Contextual concepts
(Ans-
▪destructive entitlement. ▪entitlement
▪ exoneration
▪Justice/fairness
▪Ledger
▪Legacy
▪loyalty (filial and invisible)
▪Merit
▪multi-directional partiality, ▪parentification,
▪relational determinants (facts, individual, psychology, Behavioral
transaction, relational ethics) ▪revolving slate
▪trustworthiness
Contextual dysfunction
(Ans-
▪the trustworthiness of relationships breaks down because fairness, caring
and accountability are absent
Contextual change
(Ans-
▪a preventative plan for current and future generation.
▪Restore people’s capacity to give thru fair relating and trust
Contextual stages
(Ans-
▪unit of treatment is chosen by therapist
▪engagement
▪cognitive exploration of family history
▪alter perceptions
▪expand trust to increase options
Contextual stance
(Ans-
▪active
▪personal
▪co-therapy relational balances, ▪Catalyst
▪advocate for all