Fourteenth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

The observable aim of Natural and Experiential Systemic Therapy (NEST) is to help family members get more of what each wants in their relationships with the others and less of what each doesn’t want. However, since familial relationships are embedded in both multigenerational and multilayered cultural contexts, the less visible aim is to help each member get more of what each “really really” wants as they navigate through their differences to discover their similarities. The theory and practice of NEST is based on the integration of two profoundly disparate approaches to systemic therapy. Bowenian Family Therapy and Relational Gestalt Therapy promote the conscious differentiation of a self within the context of multisystemic levels of interaction. The former advocates for doing so with as little emotional reactivity as possible—so that members may listen more thoughtfully to one another and problem solve in a rational yet empathic manner. In contrast, the latter seeks to intentionally elicit emotional reactivity so that seminal developmental events in the lives of each member, the origin of which often pre-dates the current relationship(s), becomes accessible to co-reflection and the co-generation of new meanings. These disparate approaches to similar ends appear to find common ground within Terror Management Theory. TMT supports experientially drawing the family members’ attention away from the idiosyncratic aspects of their disagreements and towards their transcultural longings for experiencing a balance between individual creativity and emotional security. Case examples are provided to illustrate the value of transculturalism for managing anxiety and restoring family harmony.

Presenters

Bill Forisha, Ph.D., LP, LMFT
Faculty, MA Program in Counseling and Psychological Services, St. Mary's University of Minnesota, Minnesota, United States

Ann Thiel
Clinical Psychologist, Interpath, California, United States