A Transpersonal Feminist Approach to Family Systems
Irene S. Lazarus
International Journal of Transpersonal Studies July 1, 2010 DOI: 10.24972/ijts.2010.29.2.121 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that ATFAFS integrates Bowen family systems theory, feminist revisions, and transpersonal practices to help students understand their family histories. Students reported benefits such as personal growth and deeper family understanding, along with drawbacks including the demanding nature of the work. |
Abstract
This paper presents a preliminary description of A Transpersonal Feminist Approach to Family Systems (ATFAFS) as taught at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (ITP) between 1995 and 2002.In this approach, students studied the principles of Murray Bowen's family systems theory with attention to feminist revisions of the theory while simultaneously investigating their own multigenerational family histories.Additionally, students kept a journal, recorded and worked with their dreams, and worked with a chosen creative expressive modality.They may also have worked with other transpersonal modalities.Student narratives, informed by organic inquiry, illustrate aspects of the approach.The paper concludes with a detailed look at students' perceived benefits and drawbacks of the approach.