Differences Between Bowenian, Structural, & Strategic Family Systems Theories

Source:  https://www.emaze.com/@ACWFWWF/family-system

By:  Kimberly Swanson, PsyM, LPC

There are some similarities and differences between the following family theories:  Bowenian, structural, and strategic family systems. The Bowenian theory was developed by Murry Bowen.  Bowenain theory is used to see the patterns of inter-generational behaviors among families (Grand Canyon University, 2014).  Based on this theory, certain mental issues are passed down as a generational cycle.

The structural family system was developed by Salvador Minuchin.  Instead of the structural family system seeing patterns like the Bowenian theory, it suggests that these mental or emotional behaviors are more like symptoms instead of patterns that are passed from generation to generation (Grand Canyon University, 2014).  This therapy is aimed to reduce dysfunction.

Even though structural and strategic family counseling is very similar, there are still have some differences; strategic therapy was developed by Jay Haley during the 1960s around the same time that structural family therapy was created. The difference between the two therapies is that structural views the client and their family issues as symptoms whereas, strategic therapy sees the issue not as a symptom but as a real problem that mirrors the family’s functionality (Grand Canyon University, 2014).

Reference

Grand Canyon University (2014).  Classical psychotherapies (lecture notes).  Retrieved from https://lc-grad2.gcu.edu.

Updated 3/16/22  

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