A Different Approach to Anxiety

Using Bowen Theory To Transform How You Manage Anxiety

Understanding Anxiety in a New Way

Anxiety is not always a bad thing. When we’re in actual danger, our survival instincts kick in and we do what we have to do to survive. Our brain is supposed to work that way. It can even help in non-dangerous situations like motivating us to improve, such as doing well on an exam. However, chronic anxiety can become maladaptive and cause disruptions in our lives. These disruptions are often physiological as well as psychological. Chronic anxiety can show up in many ways such as sleep disturbances, irritability, difficulty focusing, and tension. Anxiety can affect how we function in our relationships and our job performance.

Man stressed out sitting at his computer

Anxiety often feels like it comes from within, but it’s also shaped by the relationships and family patterns we grew up in. Bowen Family Systems Therapy looks at anxiety not just as an individual struggle, but as part of how families manage emotions across generations. We learned how to relate to others in patterns that developed within our families of origin.

Instead of asking “What’s wrong with me?” this approach invites individuals to consider:

What makes sense about the way I am reacting? What are the various internal and external contributions to my reactions?
What is my own usual way of reacting to stress?
How do different family members react when tensions start to rise?
What ways can I improve how I regulate stress in my own body, mind and soul?
Am I attempting to calm others down, or to calm myself down?

How Bowen Family Systems Therapy Addresses Anxiety

Identifies Patterns: This way of thinking invites you to see the inter-relationship between an individual’s emotional reactivity and the reactivity of others around them, across generations.

Facilitates Differentiation of Self: This kind of therapy promotes working on increasing one’s own emotional regulation and self-determination, which is thought to only be possible in the crucible of connected relationships. (More info on being a "self")

Reduces Reactivity: Learn to respond thoughtfully instead of being swept away by anxious emotions by constant trial and error of real efforts in your daily life.

Potential for Lasting Change: This therapy does not aim for temporary symptom reduction. Most likely, symptoms and pressure will actually increase when one begins to work on this. The end game is this: working on differentiation of self within one’s family of origin and most important relationships and spheres of life, this approach is about reducing chronic anxiety as much as possible across the board, and concurrently increasing psychological and emotional resilience.

Why Work With New Life Counseling

Bowen Family Systems Therapy helps individuals, couples, and families move beyond cycles of anxiety, conflict, and disconnection. This approach is practical, compassionate, and focused on creating real, sustainable change.

Take the First Step

Schedule a consultation today and start building a calmer, more connected life.

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