Family of Origin
What is Family of Origin? (FoO)
Family of Origin refers to the significant caretakers and siblings that a person grows up with, or the first social group a person belongs to, which is often a person’s biological family or an adoptive family. Family of Origin work is based on Murray Bowen’s family systems theory.
Why is it important?
- Our early experiences have a major influence on how we see ourselves, others and the world; and how we cope and function in our daily lives.
- As a parent member of a family, Family of Origin experiences influence the way you view your own family, other people, and relationship difficulties. How you understand your own family relationships and upbringing influences the way you relate with your own family of creation.
- No family is perfect. Often, families involve some negative dynamics or traits, as well as positive experiences and strengths. It is useful to try to consider both problems and strengths when understanding your own family of origin.
What’s involved?
Participants take turns exploring their past using genograms. Other group members lean and act as informal supports through listening, respecting and indirectly learning about their own FoO. The group is run by a family therapist and has support from an occupational therapist for regulation.
Benefits of healing in a group environment!
- Come together, in a shared safe space to understand your family of origin.
- Sharing this experience with others may provide invaluable insights to your own processes and family.
- Group processes in family therapy have a therapeutic effect.
- Being in a group provides opportunity to decrease any stigma associated with using services.
- Increase in the sense of community and building social supports (Sayer, 1996).
When is the group?
The group will run at Act for Kids once a week for six weeks. The group will have four to six participants.
All participants will be parents of children who currently access therapeutic services through Act for Kids.
How can I access the Family of Origin program?
Contact Angela Tieman at our Act for Kids Melbourne Centre, 61 Riggall Street, Broadmeadows.
Changing the lives of kids in Australia
Five-year-old Maddie was physically, emotionally and verbally abused by her parents from birth, witnessing severe domestic violence and substance abuse, including Ice.
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