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How do well-intentioned families go awry?

The Systems Miracle

Bowen Theory and Helping

About Bowen Theory

Bowen family systems theory was developed by Murray Bowen, M.D. in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, when he was a psychiatrist at the Menninger Clinic, in Topeka Kansas. Here at the Bowen Theory Academy, we aim at educating the public about the theory and its practical applications.

Our Work & Events

What does Bowen Theory Academy (BTA) do? BTA provides learning opportunities for people new to the theory as well as those interested in developing and extending Bowen Theory. The following presentations from BTA’s Think Tank and this year’s upcoming conference are described below.

Understanding Interpersonal Conflict From A Systems Perspective

Traditional individually-oriented psychology sees conflict as arising from individual problems, and therefore conflict is a functi…

A Perspective on a World on Fire: Societal Regression

I write this Op-ed piece after hearing New York Times journalist David Brooks express surprise at the closeness of the recent pres…

Differentiation and Social Success

Many people think that if a person is successful, then they must be mature and doing something right.” But, is that always the c…

Reflections on Territorial Behavior

Material needs are limited, and, according to Paul Ehrlich, "there is little indication that, beyond a certain point, consuming mo…

Patterns of Interaction in Living Systems

For the last 40 years, Eve Marder’s lab at Brandeis University has studied one small system of 5 neurons from the 30 neuron stom…

The Family Projection Process

A certain amount of anxious focus on a child occurs in all families. It is in the nature of the human offspring to need quite a …

The Role of Polyvagal Theory, the Oxytocin Hypothesis and Bowen Theory on Reactions to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The spread of the SARSCov2 virus has introduced widespread threat, economic destabilization, and social isolation. There continues…

How Does Bowen Theory Speak to Societal Regression

Arguably, societal regression in America is particularly evident in heightened levels of a polarized public, and corresponding pol…

Brief Revisiting of TOFT and its Importance To Bowen Theory

Bowen theory is a natural systems theory that leads the therapist to ask a family different kinds of questions than those guided b…

History and Concepts

Bowen Theory

Here is a quick overview of the history of the development of Bowen's theory and some of its key concepts. Mental health professionals from all over the world have trained at the Bowen Center.

from 1990 - Present

New Developments and Applications

Despite Bowen Theory being based on research begun more than seventy years ago, the value of viewing human beings as profoundly emotionally driven creatures and human families functioning as emotional units is more relevant than ever.

from the 21st Century

A View of Bowen Theory

Recent developments in research lend credence to Bowen theory’s linking of chronic anxiety and the development of symptoms. This thinking leads to ways to address chronic anxiety by understanding its generation in relationships and changing the behaviors it stimulates rather than just managing anxiety internally.

Who Uses Bowen Theory

Bowen Theory Solutions

Gain insight into how to use systems thinking in your life.

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Health Care Professionals

To help their practices

Universities

With behaviorial programs

Educators

To help developing children's minds.

Individuals

Bowen Theory can help anyone in day-to-day life.