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Abstract

Bowen theory focuses on the concept of emotional functioning, specifically among and within the family. The goal of therapy is to engage the family members in understanding the patterns of dysfunctional behavior. Little attention, however, is paid to incorporating children into the family systems work. Play therapy, within the framework of the Bowen theory, encourages participation from all family members, points to the interactions of the family members with each other, and links these systemic patterns to the reason why the family was referred to therapy. This article describes the basic tenets of the Bowen theory and how the play therapy techniques of art, sandtray, and puppets facilitate therapeutic interventions when using this model. A case study is provided.

Keywords

Bowen theory play therapy family systems family therapy

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Using Play Therapy Techniques in a Bowenian Theoretical Context

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