Learn about Bowen Theory

Dr. Murray Bowen, a psychiatrist, originated his theory and its eight interlocking concepts. He formulated the theory by using systems thinking to integrate knowledge of the human as a product of evolution with knowledge from family research. A core assumption is that an emotional system that evolved over several billion years governs human relationship systems. People have a “thinking brain,” language, a complex psychology and culture, but they still do all the ordinary things that other forms of life do. The emotional system affects most human activity and is the principal driving force in the development of clinical problems. Knowledge of how the emotional system operates in one’s family, work, and social systems offers new, more effective options for solving problems in each of these areas.

On this page are resources to help you learn more about Bowen theory. In The Eight Concepts of Bowen Theory, Michael E. Kerr, Director Emeritus of the Bowen Center, uses the experiences of a fictional family to illustrate and explain each concept. The contents of these pages are also available for sale as hard-copy or PDF publications, under the title One Family’s Story, For translations in other languages, please go to the Publications page.

In video, the Bowen Center offers access to recordings of Murray Bowen. The Basic Series features one hour lectures by Dr. Bowen. In The Bowen Kerr Interview Series, Dr. Kerr interviews Dr. Bowen on theory related questions.

The family diagram is an important tool in the application of Bowen theory. It was developed by Murray Bowen to create a visual depiction of the experience of multiple generations in a family. Read more about it below.

Questions: Contact us at info@thebowencenter.org

The Eight Concepts of Bowen Theory

Bowen Theory Videos

Below are introductory videos describing the basic theoretical concepts of Bowen theory. These materials have recently been made available for free to make it easier for both new and old students to develop a basic conceptual foundation for what it means to see the family as an emotional unit.

Family Diagram

Murray Bowen, MD, developed and used family diagrams in his own research, in clinical practice, and in training other professionals. A family diagram is a graphic depiction of facts of functioning over several generations.  It is a tool for seeing the family as an emotional system, for recognizing patterns of reactivity that govern the lives of family members, and for observing the family as it adapts to circumstances of life.

 
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Learn More

The Bowen Center offers a wide variety of Learning and Development Programs and conferences in Bowen theory.

Featured
Professional Lecture Series: Lee Dugatkin, PhD
Dec 5
Professional Lecture Series: Lee Dugatkin, PhD

Dr. Sofia Bernstein

Title: Cries & Whispers: The Possibility of Vocal Control in Monkeys and Apes

Description: Ethological studies do not generally acknowledge the semiotic capabilities of nonhuman animals or attempt to analyze the Umwelten of other species; this creates a human-centric bias in our interpretations of animal cognition and behavior. There is a need for a philosophical shift away from the stimulus-response model towards a framework where semiotic theory is applied to empirical data from the field. A recent study conducted by Dr. Bernstein and Baranna Baker applied biosemiotic methods and analyses to the results from gibbon vocal learning studies and Tibetan macaque control of vocal signal output based on audience proximity. Results suggest that signalers may be adjusting signal output, and that there is a complex cost-benefit tradeoff individuals have to navigate when they produce a mating signal. A biosemiotic approach reveals cognitive complexity and a species’ ability to recognize their and others’ agency, and ultimately enriches our understandings of the seemingly intangible inner worlds of other animals.

Clinical Conference: Laura Brooks, LCSW-C
Dec 13
Clinical Conference: Laura Brooks, LCSW-C

Online via Zoom

A Research Attitude in Clinical Practice

Laura Brooks, LCSW-C

What is a research attitude and what difference does it make to the client and the coach? This presentation will examine manifestations of a research attitude in a psychotherapeutic effort towards differentiation. Client interviews will highlight behavioral indicators of family of origin work and progress towards working on differentiation. 

Clinical Conference: Anne McKnight, EdD, LCSW
Jan 24
Clinical Conference: Anne McKnight, EdD, LCSW

Online via Zoom

The Impact of Cutoff Across Generations

Anne McKnight, EdD, LCSW 

Cutoff, one of eight concepts in Bowen theory, addresses the management of tension in families through severing contact or maintaining superficial relationships. This day will explore several dimensions of cutoff in a power point presentation, including its impact across generations by limiting an individual’s access to resources, relationships, and information about the extended family.  Two individual’s efforts to work on differentiation through bridging cutoffs in their families will be discussed in videotaped interviews.