Bowen (Intergenerational) Family Therapy

What is the core focus of Bowenian Family Therapy?

Multigenerational emotional patterns and differentiation of self.

What is differentiation of self?

Balancing emotional intimacy with individuality; separating thinking from feeling.

What is triangulation?

Drawing in a third person to reduce tension between two people.

What is fusion?

Excessive emotional closeness; lack of personal boundaries.

What is emotional cutoff?

Emotional distancing to manage unresolved family tension.

What is the family projection process?

Parents transmit their anxiety and level of differentiation to their children.

What is sibling position?

Birth order patterns that shape personality and relationship behavior.

What is the multigenerational transmission process?

Repetitive emotional patterns and anxiety passed down through generations.

What is a genogram?

A visual family map across three generations showing relationships and patterns.

What are process questions?

Questions that reduce reactivity by promoting reflection (e.g., “How do you think your actions affect your partner?”).

What is detriangulation?

Therapist maintains neutrality to help family members relate directly without third-party interference.

What is the therapist’s stance in Bowenian Therapy?

Calm, objective coach who promotes awareness and responsibility.

What is the main goal of Bowenian Therapy?

Increase self-differentiation and reduce chronic anxiety in the family system.