Noone has worked within three successive theoretical perspectives. In psychiatric hospital settings, he observed that patients lived in hospital for most of their lives, had little contact with family, and rarely showed evidence of relief from symptoms. Following passage of the Mental Health Act in 1963, a nationwide effort kept the mentally ill in their communities and out of hospitals. Patients lived with their families, and therapists treated whole families. This treatment lasted up to six sessions, after which a family was referred to a family health center. The program was found to be effective. The third and final theoretical shift was led by psychiatrist and researcher Murray Bowen, who articulated Family Systems Theory, representing a radical departure from the individualistic paradigm predominant in psychiatry and family therapy until that time. Following Bowen's model in this book, Noone examines the family as a natural unit that shapes the differential capacity of members to adapt effectively to life's many challenges. The helpful index combines topic and author entries. This is essential theoretical and clinical material for practicing psychotherapists and those in training, whether in psychiatry, psychology, or social work. Highly recommended. Graduate students, faculty, and professionals.

Choice Reviews

This book is for the helping professionals and family members who have ever questioned the efficacy of using an individualistic paradigm to solve life’s problems. Robert J. Noone tackles important myths about Bowen Theory and situates the human family as a self-regulating system. He pulls the reader out of cause-and-effect thinking and into a Bowen Family Systems Theory (BFST) world that is grounded in natural systems, evolutionary theory, and includes the biological basis of development. This book is a light at the end of the tunnel for new and seasoned helping professionals.

Carrie Elizabeth Collier, The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family

Through decades-long clinical work and engagement with science, Noone has developed an understanding of the human family that is second to none. In this volume he combines clinical experience, knowledge of science, and his own journey in a way that both engages and informs the reader. He presents clear theoretical points, describes the relevant science, and illustrates with anecdotes from his clinical and research experience. Family and Self is an important and very much anticipated contribution to the growing literature on applying, validating, and extending Murray Bowen’s observations and theoretical work. It will be a valuable contribution to anyone interested in the human family, in the science of the human, and in family psychotherapy!

Daniel V. Papero, The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family

I see Family and Self as an important milestone in Noone’s long effort to follow this principle in the service of building a science of human behavior. He has integrated thinking from diverse sources while maintaining the distinctions and has provided extensive references to research from many areas of science. The book will serve as a catalyst and inspiration for further research. For this reviewer, the book leaves no doubt that a solid theory of the family will be the keystone in building the broad conceptual framework needed to understand human behavior.

Family Systems