FALL FUNDAMENTALS 2025

Triangles: The Building Block of Emotional Systems

September 26, 2025 | 9:00 am - 3:30 pm ET | Online Via Zoom

The Bowen Center’s annual Fall Fundamentals Conference Series provides background on family systems thinking related to a topic of current interest to therapists in clinical practice.

Triangles: The Building Block of Emotional Systems: This conference explores the central role of the triangle in Bowen theory—the most basic unit of the emotional system and a cornerstone of human relationship patterns. Through a series of presentations from both seasoned practitioners and emerging voices, we will examine the triangle in its original formulation and its evolving applications across clinical, familial, and societal contexts. Topics include how triangles form and function under stress, how they embed in families and workplaces, and how systems thinking can illuminate automatic patterns and support efforts to “detriangle.” Attendees will engage with theory, case examples, and practical strategies for increasing awareness and differentiation of self in the midst of relational tension.

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Registration Information | Schedule | Continuing Education Credits | Previous Conferences

Registration Information

Conference Fees:

  • General Admission: $125 (select online attendance)

  • Full-time Student rates: Please contact info@thebowencenter.org to gain access to student tickets. A current copy of your schedule or similar verification is required.

  • Continuing Education Credits: $15. Please read our CE policy and add when registering for the conference.

 

Schedule

Time

Title

Presenter(s)
9:00 Welcome and Introduction
Randall T. Frost, MDiv, Director of the Bowen Center
Ashley Mader, PhD, LICSW, Fall Fundamentals Conference Head and Conference Moderator
9:05 Triangle Theory: A Set of Rules Without a Manual
A premise of Bowen theory is that leadership is based on the emotional maturity of an individual rather than the position one holds in the relationship system. As Franz de Waal observed in documenting a chimpanzee troupe, the power of Mama, the alpha female, was based on the respect in which she was held, rather than her physical strength. The characteristics of mature functioning, or the work of differentiation, will be discussed and illustrated.		 Daniel V. Papero, PhD, LCSW
9:50 Lather, Rinse, Repeat: Noticing Automatic Patterns in Self and Systems
What automatic patterns exist in relationships? How does one notice and observe those patterns... and what difference might it make? Do the same patterns exist in families and workplaces? This workshop will explore the challenges and possibilities presented by repeating relationship patterns, at home and in the workplace.		 Jennifer Long, MDiv
10:35 Panel Discussion and Q&A
Dr. Mader: Moderator, Dr. Papero and Rev. Long
11:00 Break
11:15 An Evolutionary Instrument: The Emotional Triangle, Anxiety, and Human Relationships
No two-dimensional structure is stable. If the forces between two points of a structure become too great, another point must bear some of the load. After years of research with families at the National Institutes of Health and the Menninger Clinic, Dr. Bowen observed exactly that: the smallest stable unit of a family system is not a two-person relationship, but a triangle. Often confused by some as only a toxic behavior, the relationship triangle instead serves as an evolutionary development to stabilize families under intense stress. “Listen[ing] to the language of the triangles,” Dr. Bowen observed, can tell us much about what a family or relationship system is experiencing, what our part in the system is, and how we might make better choices to change our position.		 Rev. Robert A. Abrams, 24-25 Postgraduate Participant
11:35 Navigating Triangles: Thinking Systems in Clinical Settings
This presentation will explore the function of triangles as they manifest within the counseling relationship, specifically within the context of clinical work with survivors of trafficking and their families. This presentation will examine how triangles form, how anxiety is managed and diffused in families through interlocking triangles, and how individuals, such as counselors or other “helping” professionals, can learn to observe and navigate triangles and interlocking triangles more effectively. Attendees will learn practical strategies for detriangling through the fostering of differentiation of self and will be provided with several real-life examples of how to apply these principles in clinical practice.		 Samantha Stokesberry, MA, LPC, NCC, 24-25 Postgraduate Participant
11:55 Breakout Groups
12:25 Lunch Break
1:00 More than Just a Shape
This presentation explores the complexity and evolution of the triangle, a foundational concept in Bowen theory. Originally defined as a three-person relationship system, triangles have since been interpreted more broadly—sometimes including ideas, concepts, or even things. But do these newer interpretations still align with Bowen’s original framework? Through a clear examination of various types and functions of triangles—including those in parental relationships, nuclear and multigenerational families, and society—this talk will distinguish between “getting clear” and differentiation of self. Attendees will be invited to consider whether an expanded view of triangles enriches or alters our understanding of human behavior.		 Vanessa M. Roulette Ellison, MSW, MDiv, LCSW
1:45 Triangles: Inside and Out
This presentation will describe the concept of triangles and triangling as described in Bowen family systems theory. Murray Bowen described triangles as the smallest stable relationship unit (Kerr and Bowen 1988, 135). Interlocking triangles serve as the foundation of emotional processes and are connected to Bowen’s key concepts. Triangling emerges as a response to anxiety, stress, or tension in a dyadic relationship. High stress environments (war, systemic oppression, etc.) or significant events (births, deaths, onset of illness) may intensify triangling behaviors that can span generations. Creating a personal family diagram noting contextual factors can be a helpful way to portray complex family processes and elicit awareness of ways of relating (with self and others) and to develop strategies to increase differentiation of self.		 Deborah Watson, EdD, LPC, NCC, 24-25 Continuing Studies Participant
2:05 Break
2:15 Untangling the Triangle: Understanding Detriangling in Bowen Family Systems Theory
Emotional triangles are everywhere—from family dynamics to workplace relationships. This introduction to Bowen family systems theory focuses on the concept of detriangling: the practice of stepping out of reactive, three-person conflict patterns to foster healthier communication and functioning. Designed for those new to Bowen theory, this presentation will provide examples and practical strategies to help participants recognize emotional patterns in relationships and see the value in making efforts to function differently in their personal and professional lives.		 Elayne Chou, PhD
3:00 Panel Discussion and Q&A
Dr. Mader: Moderator, Rev. Abrams, Ms. Ellison, Dr. Watson, and Dr. Chou
3:25 Final Remarks
3:30 Adjournment

Participant Bios

Rev. Robert (Bob) Abrams serves as Assistant to the Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, having transitioned to ordained ministry after sixteen years of legal practice in the field of litigation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, Ohio, a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University College of Law, and a Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. He is a graduate of the Natural Systems Academy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has been a student in the Postgraduate Program at the Bowen Center, and continues in supervision with Bowen Center faculty. He and his wife Cathy live in suburban Columbus, Ohio.

Deborah Watson, EdD, LPC, NCC is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Institute of Pastoral Studies of Loyola University Chicago teaching courses in human development, career, and family systems. Her passion for learning and helping has given her a diversity of experiences with teaching, advocacy, clinical work, and supervision. Her work has extended as far as the Kingdom of Bhutan, nestled high in the Himalayan mountain range, where she spent time working with adolescents, adults, families, and couples while helping to build a mental health counseling infrastructure. Her clinical work is rooted in a family systems approach with an overarching feminist lens. Previous to clinical work and teaching she was an active community leader. She served many years on the board of a social service agency, advocating for youth and their families throughout the collar counties of Chicago. As a counselor, educator, and lifelong learner, she emphasizes growth and development through education with attention to mind, body, and spirit. Deborah earned her B.A. in Psychology with a Mental Health Concentration, M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling, and EdD in Counseling Education and Supervision from Governors State University.

Samantha Stokesberry, LPC, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor based in Austin, Texas. She specializes in applying Bowen family systems theory in her clinical work with individuals and families impacted by human trafficking, sexual abuse, and chronic anxiety. Samantha is currently pursuing her PhD in Developmental Psychology, with dissertation research focused on the relationships between differentiation of self, family unit functioning, and posttraumatic growth in adult survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking. She is also a postgraduate student at the Bowen Center, where she continues to deepen her work in systems thinking and clinical application.

Continuing Education Information

This one-day conference provided a maximum of 5.5 credit hours of Category I continuing education for counseling and social work. 

Purchase of Continuing Education Credits indicates that you have read the eligibility requirements and policies below:

Process & REQUIREMENTS FOR CE ELIGIBILITY: 

  • Pay the CE fee at time of registration. Be sure to choose “Add On” when purchasing your ticket on Eventbrite. *CEs are not sold the day of the conference or after a conference.

  • Attend each live streamed or in-person session in its entirety. The CE coordinator will note your attendance throughout the day. *We do not offer partial credits for partial attendance.

  • If livestreamed, you must appear clearly on video for the entire conference, with your first and last name listed (except during designated breaks or lunch). If your video is turned off or your name unlisted, you will receive a reminder from the CE coordinator via the Zoom chat. Failure to turn on video or name yourself will result in disqualification from CE eligibility.

  • Following an event, eligible CE registrants will be emailed a link to complete the evaluation. The link will be sent to the email address you entered during checkout. You have 60 days from the event date to submit the completed evaluation. Once the completed evaluation is received, you will be emailed your CE certificate shortly after. All emails will be sent from ContinuingEducation@thebowencenter.org. *Please note, it may take up to several weeks to receive a certificate. If you still have not received a certificate 1 month after completing an evaluation, please email the Continuing Education Team.

POLICIES:

  • The Bowen Center does not offer refunds for CEs.

  • CEs are not sold the day of a conference or after it has taken place.

  • We are unable to offer CE credit for viewing recordings.

  • We do not offer partial CE credit for partial event attendance.

  • Per state governing boards, we are unable to accept evaluations after the 60 DAY period.

  • It is the sole responsibility of the participant to verify their state’s professional licensure criteria for CE qualifications.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

  • Explain the concept of triangles and how they function. 

  • Apply foundational detriangling strategies. 

  • Describe triangles and how they relate to anxiety 

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center is authorized by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners to provide continuing education credit. This program is a Category I offering.  

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6225. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. 

If you have any questions about Continuing Education, please email ContinuingEducation@thebowencenter.org

Previous Fall Fundamentals Conferences