Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory S3 Special Episode: The Family Life Cycle with Dr. Monica McGoldrick
Dec 16, 2025
Monica McGoldrick, Director of the Multicultural Family Institute and a leading voice in family therapy, shares her insights into the family life cycle. She discusses how individual lives intersect with family histories, using genograms as powerful tools to reveal relationship dynamics. Monica emphasizes the importance of considering both ancestors and future descendants in therapy, illuminating how our actions echo through generations. She also explores changing life phases, the challenges of poverty and caregiving, and her memories of the esteemed Murray Bowen.
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Life Cycle Is Always Family-Based
- Our lives are always embedded in family systems that include ancestors and descendants.
- Monica McGoldrick says we should never view the life cycle as purely individual because we always belong to others.
Ask About Parallel Ages And Roles
- Ask clients about equivalent ages and roles across generations to reveal patterns.
- Monica recommends asking questions like how a client's father behaved at the same age as their child.
Genograms Shift Perspective
- Genograms make invisible family connections visible and shift perspective.
- Monica notes drawing family diagrams helps people remember who matters and expands contextual thinking.
