ABSTRACT
Bowen’s half of ward 3-East had one goal: understanding severe symptoms as connected to relationship processes. A particular symbiotic relationship, overt and positive, was the object of study. Bowen, Robert Dysinger, Thais Fisher, a social worker, and assigned nursing staff worked closely with him. Once in operation, the parent was the therapeutic agent of change, not the doctor or staff. The nurses were assistants to family members, observers and recorders of family interaction. Bowen taught the staff to avoid the conditions identified in the Menninger investigations that triggered symptoms.
The unit’s loose structure simulated a natural setting in an institution. The milieu assisted the researchers in watching how the mothers and daughters managed their relationship in a nonparental environment. Parental authority rested with the mother, not with the staff. Helping resources were readily available to the family.
The treatment offered was supportive therapy for the parent and individual psychotherapy for the impaired offspring. It was a hybrid of the earlier regression and non-mothering practices. Mother could have as much time with the social worker as she chose. The daughter set her own appointments with the psychiatrist. She could work out her inner concerns in meetings with Bowen as often as she wanted.
