Differentiation of self is THE central part of [[Bowen Family Therapy]].
There are two key components:
## Self-definition
- Togetherness (sense of belonging) and individuality (sense of independence)
- The ideal is not to be at either end of these extremes, but rather find a balance between both
- External vs internal
## Self-regulation
- Two guidance systems of feelings (emotions, urges) and intellectual (logic, thinking)
- Again, the ideal is to find a balance of both, NOT to be fully intellectual or fully emotional
- Internal vs intrapsychic
---
Our level of differentiation is heavily influenced by our family of origin (FOO)
- Notably, our differentiation level is set at the time we leave our home
- This is a major life event in Bowen's theory
- Unless we actively try working on it, this level of differentiation will carry forward into our future relationships
The less a family differentiates from each other, the more fused the Family Emotional Process becomes
- Family emotional process and pattern is often passed through generations