A Family of Origin Workshop: Process and Evaluation

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of family of origin therapy as experienced in a workshop format. The Family of Origin Workshop is a 6-hour session that strives for the goal of increasing personal authority. A description of the workshop is included. Statistically significant results between pretest and posttest scores were obtained for the Intergenerational Individuation and Spousal Individuation scales. Participants reported increased ability to individuate. A schema for the achievement of personal authority is proposed as one possible explanation for the relational pattern that occurs in this maturation process. Participants attribute changes resulting from the Family of Origin Workshop to content-oriented variables.