In this engaging discussion, Dr. Kathleen Smith, a licensed therapist and author known for her work on anxiety and relationships, dives into the concept of togetherness within Bowen Family Systems Theory. She explores the delicate balance between collective connection and individual identity, sharing anecdotes to highlight the dangers of conformity. Dr. Smith also draws parallels with animal behavior, emphasizing the necessity of social bonding. With insights on mindfulness and the impact of group dynamics on personal well-being, she encourages fostering meaningful connections.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Soccer Coach Meltdown
Dixie Vandersloos volunteered to coach kids' soccer despite limited knowledge of the sport.
She effectively mobilized the children but disintegrated when faced with their pressure to choose teams.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Fish School Analogy
Katie White observed a school of fish at an aquarium, fascinated by their unified response to threats and opportunities.
This sparked her curiosity about how humans similarly react to subtle cues of danger or opportunity within their families and broader systems.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Locust Transformation
Kathleen Smith shared an excerpt from Ashley Ward's book about locusts' transformation from antisocial to highly social creatures under pressure.
This shift is triggered by serotonin release when food is scarce, forcing them to march together or risk being eaten.
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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.
The Anxious Achiever
Turn Your Biggest Fears into Your Leadership Superpower
Morra Aarons-Mele
This book aims to normalize anxiety and leadership, arguing that anxiety is inherent in leadership and can be harnessed for good. It provides practical advice on recognizing and managing anxiety, confronting bad habits, resisting perfectionism, dealing with feedback and criticism, and modeling healthy behavior as a leader. The book is inspired by Aarons-Mele's popular podcast of the same name and is designed to help readers turn their stress and worries into strengths for themselves, their careers, and their teams.
The Social Lives of Animals
The Social Lives of Animals
Ashley Ward
True to You, A Therapist's Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself
True to You, A Therapist's Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself
A Therapist's Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself
Kathleen Smith
Kathleen Smith's "True to You" offers a practical guide to understanding and managing people-pleasing tendencies. The book uses systems theory to explore the dynamics of relationships and how they impact our well-being. Smith emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and gentle self-compassion in navigating these challenges. She provides tangible strategies for setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care without resorting to extremes. The book encourages readers to find a balance between caring for others and prioritizing their own needs.
Everything Isn't Terrible
Kathleen Smith
This podcast episode looks at the idea of togetherness, a way Bowen family systems theory describes how people operate in relation to the group. 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. Kathleen Smith is a licensed therapist and writer who lives in Washington, DC. Her books include Everything Isn’t Terrible and True to You: A Therapist’s Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself. She is an associate faculty member at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and author of the popular newsletter, The Anxious Overachiever.
Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory 
