Terminology
The core goal of Bowenian therapy; the ability to balance emotional closeness with independent functioning.
What is Differentiation of Self?
According to Bowen, this is where a client’s current problems usually originate.
What is the Family of Origin (FOO)?
The primary method for a Bowenian therapist to stay neutral and avoid getting pulled into family drama.
What is Detriangulation?
In Bowenian therapy, the therapist's role is often described as this, rather than a "fixer."
What is a Coach (or Researcher)?
Before intervening, you must map out 3 generations to see the "blueprint" of the family's anxiety patterns.
What is step 1
A three-person relationship system; considered the smallest stable network of emotional relationships.
What is a Triangle?
This tool uses symbols to map at least three generations of family history, patterns, and health.
What is a Genogram?
Questions designed to get clients thinking about the system rather than just reacting with their emotions.
What are Process Questions?
To be effective, the therapist must maintain a high level of this so they don't get fused with the family.
What is Differentiation of Self?
After the family is calm, you help each member speak for themselves rather than attacking others or speaking for the "group."
what is step three
When a person handles high anxiety by physically or emotionally separating themselves from their family of origin.
What is Emotional Cutoff
The concept that individuals tend to select partners with a level of differentiation similar to their own.
What is Multigenerational Transmission?
Using a client's "I-position" is intended to break this common, reactive communication pattern.
What is Fusion (or Emotional Reactivity)?
Unlike Structural therapy, Bowenian therapists usually avoid this active technique where families "act out" conflict in session
What is Enactment?
You cannot work with a "fused" family. The therapist uses process questions to move the family from "feeling" to "thinking."
what is step two
The process by which parental anxiety is passed down to children, often impairing the child's functioning.
What is the Family Projection Process?
This concept describes how families under stress become less differentiated and more reactive, similar to societal trends.
What is Societal Emotional Process?
Re-authoring these can help families see their history through a more objective, less emotional lens.
What are Alternative Narratives?
In terms of time, the Bowenian therapist focuses on this, which differentiates it from Strategic or Solution-Focused models.
What is Historical Factors/The Past?
The therapist identifies the "triangles" (like a mom and daughter ganging up on dad) and stays neutral to force the pair to resolve it.
What is final step