Family Systems Therapy is an approach to family counseling founded by Psychiatrist and Researcher Dr. Murray Bowen in the 1960s. It relies on Bowen’s Family Systems theory, which states that systems, like families, consist of parts affected by one another. This structure means that each family member affects the behaviors of others.
Family Systems Therapy aims to identify these interlocking systems that might result in negative relational patterns and address the causes so family members can relate better to one another.
Family System theory posits that every person can benefit from examining the patterns from their family of origin or the family they grew up with during their formative years. For some people, this could include their biological family, their adoptive family, or other key caregivers present in their early childhood.
While most commonly used in family counseling, counselors also can use Family Systems Therapy in individual or couples counseling.
Your therapist will ask questions about your family of origin and might even ask you to complete a genogram, which is a diagram of your family relationships going back as far as possible. The genogram ranges in detail but usually includes names of ancestors and family members, births, marriages, deaths, and sometimes mental illnesses if known. From there, your counselor might ask you to recall your relationships with your parents and siblings.
Family Systems Therapy helps you understand how your family relationships from childhood impact you today. By identifying emotions you experienced when you were younger regarding the way your family dealt with life, you may begin to get more clarity about the patterns you currently maintain while relating to your family, friends, significant other, or other loved ones. Your therapist then will help you establish more positive, adaptive ways of relating to others, which ultimately leads to growth and healing.
Therapists Who Specialize in Using Family Systems Therapy
Envision Counseling Clinic is bringing hope to our local communities. People across Colorado come to us when they have done all they know to do and are still stuck. We help clients find relief, face their challenges, and forge a new path: a path they couldn't envision alone, a path that leads to life. Our therapists integrate Christian beliefs with sound psychological research, and respect the...
As a psychologist, Dr. Carter sees his role with patients as being solution focused. The primary goal in working with Dr. Carter is efficient relief from the presenting symptoms. Dr. Carter's approach begins through application of neuroscience based techniques assisting in rapid emotional regulation and efficient symptom relief. Dr. Carter understands that while symptom relief can be success...
I specialize in working with adolescents, woman, and families. I am dedicated to helping my clients find solutions, reach their goals, and create positive change and growth. I blend a variety of interventions and theories to adapt to the specific needs of each client. I utilize evidence-based strategies in DBT and CBT to teach new skills, help regulate emotions, change unhelpful cognitions and...
Ann C Leber
Sacramento
California
Ann C Leber
Sacramento
California
I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 25 years. I believe that clients come to counseling not only to gain a better understanding of themselves, but with a desire to learn new skills and tools to apply to their lives. Please call me personally to discuss your needs. I work with individuals, couples, families and adolescents. I have been licensed for over 25 years. I...
I strive to create a creative, mindful, and contemplative approach towards strengths based positive therapy, led by the client, and based on a shared respect between the client and clinician. I am committed to providing the best professional services by working with clients and developing and implementing the most effective and customized life enhancing change plans, through the promotion of...
Lynette Hector
New York
New York
Lynette Hector
New York
New York
As a licensed marriage and family therapist, I utilize a Christ-centered approach with individuals, couples, and families in a way that helps "set the captives free." My vision is to support and encourage individuals and families toward emotional health and restoration. In addition, help clients to break the bondage of oppression so they can realize the purpose God has for them. By integrating...
I have been working with children and families providing home-based services for over 15 years. I work closely with the parent/caregiver(s) on parenting approaches that fit their particular child to strengthen the parent/child relationship while addressing symptoms and behaviors which have become obstacles to the child's well-being and success. I have extensive experience identifying problem...
I am experienced in providing Marital Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques and Internal Family Systems, among others. I provide therapy for individuals (children ages 4-12, adolescents and adults), groups, families and couples. I specialize in the treatment and assessment of eating disorders, over eaters,...
I view the path of a human life span, as each of us interact and perceives the environment around us in our own unique way. My goal is to help client(s) look at their options, evaluate choices, and build toward a healthier outcome. My work has involved helping client(s) toward building better communication between couples, family members, and individual relationships. It is my belief that...
H.F. & Associates, LLC provides mental health therapy services for clients ages 13 and older. This includes individual and family sessions. We have expertise in working with clients who have a history of depression and a range of traumas, including sexual, physical and emotional abuse. We also treat clients who have been traumatized as a result of neglect, witnessing or experiencing community...
I provide individual and group therapy services for children, adolescents, young adults, and adult women. I specialize in the treatment of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Adjustment Disorders, Divorce, Grief and Loss, Developmental and Social Delays, and school related difficulties. I utilize a strong Cognitive Behavioral Treatment approach to intervention and incorporate consultation, advocacy and...
Are you looking for a compassionate and experienced therapist for successful treatment outcome? Is your depression, anxiety, or traumatic memory preventing you from living your life to your optimal potential? We are committed to help. Ransburg Counseling is owned by Hsiu-Ying and Craig Ransburg, licensed clinical social workers and addiction counselors. Over 21 years, we have successfully helpe...
Lori A Rush
Chicago
Illinois
Lori A Rush
Chicago
Illinois
"I have been a therapist for almost 25 years working with adult clients around issues of mood disorders, trauma, personality disorders and relationship difficulties. I believe people have the power within themselves for change but sometimes need a facilitator and coach to help them find additional coping skills or to process something with an objective party. I offer empathy, experience and a...
I work with people facing all sorts of struggles. Some of the most common issues I help with include depression, anxiety, identity formation, and relationship problems between couples or within families. I have a lot of experience in working with conflict between children and adolescents and their parents. I believe in the importance of helping people to understand the roots of their behaviors....