Clinical Conference
May 15, 2009
Differentiation of Self in Young Adulthood: The Use of Bowen Theory in Choosing a Mate and Having Children
Roberta B. Holt, DSW, ACSW
Bowen theory is useful at all stages of life and has been especially helpful for those beginning a new family. Today’s conference will consider how knowledge about the family system and a move toward differentiation can guide life’s choices about marrying and having children.
9:30-3:30
Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church
3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW, Washington, DC
Thursday Professional Lecture
May 14, 2009
The Case of John Forbes Nash, Jr:
System-Driven or Pathology-Driven?
Michael E. Kerr, MD
7:30 PM
Georgetown Family Center
Dr. John Nash was psychotic for about thirty years. He eventually recovered without hospitalizations, psychotherapy, or medications. His case highlights the lack of usefulness of the label, “schizophrenia.” If brain pathology caused his symptoms of schizophrenia, where did the pathology go? Bowen theory’s concepts of “self,” anxiety-driven disturbances in relationship systems, and anxiety-binding mechanisms offer a refreshing look at the case of Dr. Nash. Drawing from several sources, particularly from the book A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar, this presentation will describe how Bowen theory would explain John Nash’s descent into and recovery from chronic psychosis.
