Topic > The psychodynamic perspective: the systemic family...

Within this particular counseling context, the focus is on the interaction of family members and involves interventions that influence the entire family system (Henderson, 2016). The goal of this theory is to change dysfunctional family patterns through a variety of arrangements, from individual interaction to group interaction. Systems theory is organized into units composed of different parts, which constitute a circular scheme in which A causes B and B causes A (Henderson, 2016). Family systems theory viewed human nature from a positive perspective, that people are rational and have the ability to make choices (Henderson, 2016). Furthermore, Family Systems Theory perceives behavior as directly related to the individual's position within the family. There are eight concepts that Bowen believed family systems theory focused on, many of which reflect family boundaries and interactions. These concepts include relationships between spouses, differentiation of the self, triangles, the emotional system of the nuclear family, the process of family projection, the process of multigenerational transmission, the position of the sibling, emotional limits, and the emotional process in society (Henderson, 2016). Another core concept, determined by other theorists, revolves around the centripetal and centrifugal which further describe relationship styles within families looking inward, centripetal, as a source of satisfaction; together with the centrifugal one, which seeks satisfaction externally (Henderson, 2016). Furthermore, another fundamental concept is the process of familial projection which refers to the transmission that causes symptoms in the child (Henderson, 2016). Many of the concepts described in Family Systems Theory are based on the connection, union and conflict that leads a person to take responsibility for their role within the family..