In 'The Dance of Intimacy', Harriet Lerner explores the complexities of relationships and offers practical advice on how to achieve a more solid sense of self and a more intimate connection with others. The book delves into the emotional dance of intimacy, emphasizing the need for vulnerability, authenticity, and effective communication. Lerner provides case studies and strategies to help readers navigate the challenges of closeness and distance in various relationships, such as those with husbands, family members, lovers, or friends. The book aims to empower readers to create deeper, more resilient connections by understanding and addressing the underlying issues that affect intimacy[2][3][4].
This book encompasses the breadth and depth of Murray Bowen's contributions to family therapy. It details his extensive clinical work with over 500 schizophrenic families between 1950 and 1959, which led to the development of his family systems theory. The book includes chapters on various aspects of family therapy, such as the treatment of family groups with a schizophrenic member, family psychotherapy in hospital and private practice, and the principles and techniques of multiple family therapy. Bowen's work initially built upon Freudian theory but eventually evolved into a distinct understanding of human behavior within family systems.
This podcast episode looks at the relationship pattern of distance in Bowen family systems theory from avoiding eye contact to cutting people out of one’s life. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of this idea, along with examples, what they find important about the idea, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.
Dr. Jenny Brown has worked in child and family mental health and family therapy since the 1980s as a trainer, supervisor, author and researcher. She is the Emeritus Executive Director of the Family Systems Institute Sydney and currently directs the Family Systems Practice and the Parent Hope Project. Jenny has published widely, including the best-selling book “Growing Yourself Up”, and the newly published “Facilitating Parent Agency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health – from Helplessness to Hope.”
Resources:
Jenny Brown, Growing Yourself Up
Parent Hope Project: here
Harriet Lerner, The Dance of Intimacy
Harriet Lerner, The Dance of Connection
Robert Creech, Family Systems and Congregational Life
Notes of a Biology Watcher: here
Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice
TIME STAMPS:
Pitch - 2:30
Examples - 8:30
Usefulness - 17:45
Takeaway - 30:00
#bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory
#murraybowen #relationship #family
#distance #closeness #cutoff #discomfort
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory:
https://livingsystems.ca/
DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information about Bowen family systems theory and is not considered the practice of counselling or therapy. The information presented are the views of the people who say them. Any information from this podcast is used at your own risk.
Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory 
