Move through emotional triangles toward a natural systems view of the individual in the context of the family and society Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives presents clear applications of Murray Bowen’s concept of the emotional triangle in the family, the organization, and society. This comprehensive book discusses in detail the theory, the theory’s application to the therapist’s own family, clinical applications, organizational applications, and societal applications. This unique resource examines the value of the triangle concept for understanding the emotional process of the family, the organization, and society. Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives provides a theoretical context for understanding the triangle concept and its application, then progresses to exploring and applying the concept of the triangle and interlocking triangles to self, family, and other contexts. This book is devoted to explicating Bowen’s seminal concept of the triangle, and providing a clear description of the process of detriangling in clinical practice. The text includes several case studies and vignettes to illustrate concepts. Topics in Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives include:

a historical and conceptual overview

the triangle’s function in the effort to increase differentiation of self

the presence of triangles in non-human primates

Bowen’s differentiation of self effort in his own family and business

the functioning of triangles at the time of chronic illness and death

emotional triangles involving pets and humans

the application of the concept of triangles and interlocking triangles to clinical issues in marriage

the presence of triangles in the child-focused family

triangles in stepfamilies

the triangle’s presence and function in families with substance abusing teens

triangles involving extramarital relationships

triangles in organizations and businesses

the triangle’s function in the context in societal emotional process

and much more!

Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives is a stimulating, enlightening resource for family therapists, social workers, psychologists, pastoral counselors, and counselors.