Murray Bowen, Family Therapy's Neglected Prophet

I was introduced to Dr. Murray Bowen/Dr. Michael Kerr in 1981 after graduating from Wayne State University's School of Social Work. For me, Dr. Bowen and Dr. Kerr were the start of a long journey, one that includes experiential as well as theoretical knowledge. A couple of years ago I attempted to completely retire, and discovered that the work started at the Georgetown Family Center has, as Dr. Bowen predicted, seeded an entirely new generation of treatment. Many of his ideas were controversial, including the notion that an individual needed to "see" systems, not only within their own family, but in the workplace and, indeed, the world at large.
Since I discovered that I simply cannot retire, I have expanded my horizons, incorporating other theoreticians. I was absolutely amazed to discover that Systems Theory has permeated all fields of knowledge--Biology, Physics, Psychology, etc. and even Advertizing!

I now believe that Dr. Bowen was handicapped by his uniquely American viewpoint. He focused completely upon psychology as it was understood in the United States of America, and could not (understandably) reconcile  his learning and experiences with world history and the learning and experiences described by any "Master" of any discipline. His statement, "There is schizophrenia in all of us" would appear to be very true. Dr. Jung described the same phenomenon as his "psychosis." Zen Masters were described as "carrying their Zen with them" and in most other cultures, including Native American, such "psychotic" or "schizophrenic" individuals are viewed as prescient healers, witchdoctors, medicine-man types and are revered.

 Murray Bowen is, indeed, Family Therapy's Neglected Prophet. Perhaps it is time for a new "Grandfathers of Family Therapy" conference. Since I focused upon providing systems-based training, Qualified Supervisor Training, and many other trainings (most involving work with the involuntary client population) I have been introduced to a whole new population of like-minded therapists. Much to my relief, the effort to spread the word, to pass on Dr. Bowen's notions continues to exist.

Google "Murray Bowen, Family Therapy's Neglected Prophet" and discover for yourself.

Malcolm S. McDonald

Florida Mental Health Licensure Services Supervision Manual Overview

Florida Mental Health Licensure Services Supervision Manual Overview

www.fmhlicensure.com

Florida Mental Health Licensure Services Supervision Manual was especially designed for use by both the supervisor and supervisee. It contains all pertinent information, including the supervision contract, a log of supervision meetings, as well “recommendations/tasks” section to record supervisor requests regarding the supervisee practice.

The Supervision Manual is in three-ring binder format. There are twelve sections, covering topics such as risk management, client safety, etc. Individualizing the manual should include the supervisee’s professional Code of Ethics, as well as Florida Board of Clinical Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Mental Health Counselor definitions.

The Qualified Supervisor’s initial job is to ascertain the supervisee’s needs. The manual contains a checklist to accomplish this task. Many supervisees have had prior supervision from a qualified supervisor. It is advisable that the supervisor document, with the supervisee, what requirements have already been met, and those that remain to be met.

As well, it is recommended that the Qualified Supervisor visit the “Licensee Lookup” page to be sure that the supervisee is registered as an intern. Further, this page should be copied and kept with the supervisor files.

HUMOR, TEACHING TALES, AND ANECDOTES

Mental Health Matters 

HUMOR, TEACHING TALES, AND ANECDOTES

(BY MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS...

 FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

by Malcolm McDonald


I completed graduate school in 1978. By 1980 I realized that I tended to use the same phrases, stories, anecdotes, quotes, and, yes, had the same “Calvin and Hobbes” comic strip printed and framed in my office.

Since then, I’ve always fantasized about collecting such teaching tales, anecdotes, stories, humor, etc. from other mental health professionals, and publishing the best of them. I think it would be a very, very, large book. Every clinician that I know has a unique “style” that always includes using such strategies that incorporate an important concept or idea to fit a particular client’s circumstances.

“Blogs” most generally are a means of letting the world know the author’s opinion on a subject—be it based upon fact or not. There’s no doubt that I’ll chuck my own two cents worth into this one (during a weaker moment, I expect).

My primary request, however, is that clinicians take the time to write out their own favorite teaching tales, anecdotes, humorous stories, or whatever simple and amazing techniques they’ve discovered. We’ll review them at Florida Mental Health Licensure Services, and print those we’ve selected, giving credit to the author. And who knows? Maybe one day I’ll complete that book, and the contributing psychotherapist will be able to list an official publication on his/her resume!

Please try to keep the story or tale at about 100 words or so. If you’re sending a copy of a cartoon or comic strip, please note the name of the publication and date of original publication.

Malcolm S. McDonald
Florida Mental Health Licensure Services
fmhlicensure.com
fmhlicensure@gmail.com