Pocketfuls of Beliefs
When you raise boys, you learn that they love to collect . . . stuff.
When you raise boys, you learn that they love to collect . . . stuff.
Is this really rejection, or does it just feel like it? Is this really control, or could it be a reaction to rejection?
“Any successful effort that goes toward improving the frequency and quality of emotional contact
with the extended family, will predictably improve the family’s level of adjustment and reduce
symptoms in the nuclear family.” (Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice, 537-538)
One of Murray Bowen’s most significant contributions was his recognition of the universal opposing life forces of togetherness and individuality. Birth and early infancy may be the time these forces operate
more closely to the hypothetical optimum 50-50 balance than at any other point along the lifespan.
In my 20+ years as a practicing family therapist I’ve grown accustomed to clients telling me about their “narcissistic father,” “bipolar mother” or “Asperger’s brother.” It’s a diagnosis paradox.
For the first time in memory, Jill is learning to keep the focus on herself.