Differentiation of Self

Bowen theory views the family as an emotional unit. The family is a natural system that has evolved, like all living systems. The elegance and unity of the concept of differentiation of self, and of Bowen theory in its entirety, is that they describe the basis of individual functioning in relation to others within the emotional systems of family, occupation, community, and larger society.This volume consists of essays elucidating and applying differentiation of self, the central concept of Bowen family systems theory and therapy. The purpose of the volume is fourfold:• to describe the historical evolution of differentiation of self• to analyze the complex dimension of this concept as the integrating cornerstone of Bowen theory• to present applications of the concept for both the therapist/coach and in clinical practice• to examine the problems and possibilities of researching differentiation of selfThe largest part of this volume is the presentation of in-depth case studies of clients or therapists in their efforts to differentiate or define self. This provides an understanding of the what and how that go into the differentiation of self. Contributed to by professionals who have studied, applied, and taught Bowen theory in their own lives, practices, educational settings, and training settings, this volume is a must-have for any therapist/coach working within a systems perspective.

"This book is an excellent resource for students, clinicians, and researchers who study Bowenian theory. The strength of this book is in its detailed analysis of the concept of differentiation, which is supported by current research and further explained by application to real cases. It is a must for any clinician’s shelf." - Phyllis Erdman, PhD, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Washington State University"Differentiation is a challenging concept. Each contributor to this volume brings his or her lens to it. To some degree this means that each author’s own thinking is a large part of what they present. Nevertheless, the opportunity to follow these journeys into the theory makes a solid contribution to the reader’s own journey." - Ona Cohn Bregman, co-editor, Bringing Systems Thinking to Life: Expanding the Horizons for Bowen Family Systems Theory"With this book, Dr. Titleman successfully continues on his quest to make the core concepts of Bowen Family Systems Theory accessible and understandable to a whole new generation of systems thinkers. He has drawn from a wide sample of Bowen based practitioners, and distilled from them their best thinking about one of Bowen’s best known, but least understood ideas. And he has done so in a way that invites both novice and seasoned expert to re-examine what they thought they knew about this central tenet of Bowen’s theory. It is a crowning achievement, and should be welcomed by all who seek to know more about the complexities of family life and human relationships." - Christopher F. Burnett, Psy.D., Associate Professor of Human Relationship Systems, Nova Southeastern University

Peter Titelman, PhD, maintains a private practice in clinical psychology, specializing in Bowen family systems therapy, consultation, and professional education in Northampton, Massachusetts. He is one of the founders of the New England Seminar, in Worcester, Massachusetts, and the founder of the Northampton Seminar on Bowen Theory and its applications.