Change occurs when each family member becomes aware of their role in relation to the problem/s. Bowen believed it is important to have a differentiation of self, which he described as the capacity of an individual to make their own choices without responding impulsively to emotional pressures, while being able to maintain a healthy emotional connection within their relationship system (Kerr & Bowen, 1988). Important components for change include: reducing anxiety, detrianglulation, as well as increasing individual self-awareness/ differentiation of self. Detriangling is the key component to change in Bowen based therapy; the therapist will “coach” the client/s to become more aware of how they are “triangled” by other family members, as well as heightened awareness as to how they may be bringing family members into a “triangle” (Brown, 1999). Once the client/s become more aware of their individual role involving the issue/s, they are more likely to change their behavior.
Bowen Family Systems Theory 