A commentary on approaches postulated to explain the self is appropriate to consider when reviewing the historical developments leading to the current recognition of Murray Bowen's family systems theory. Specifically, early psychoanalytic considerations emphasize the individual's development in relationship to mother. In contrast, Bowen's considerations emphasize the concept of individual development to the relationship with family of origin. This article purports that similarities in the conceptual frameworks between the psychoanalytic school and Bowen's theory remain deeply embedded.