Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory S2 Ep1 Triangles: Inside & Outside Positions with Kathleen Cotter Cauley
Jan 7, 2025
Kathleen Cotter Cauley, a licensed marriage and family therapist and faculty member of the Bowen Center, discusses the fascinating world of triangles in family systems. She explores how inside and outside positions affect relationships and shares personal anecdotes about family dynamics, like feeling excluded at gatherings. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness in navigating complex relational dynamics and trusting adult children to make their own choices. Listeners will walk away with tools to manage anxiety and deepen their understanding of their own interactions.
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Triangles: Activation and Impact
- Triangles activate under stress and involve complex interactions between people.
- They can both calm and stir us up, highlighting the challenge of staying neutral while relating to others.
Identifying Your Position in Triangles
- Consider your position in triangles: are you "in the know," receiving attention, or observing from afar?
- Reflect on your preferred position and how it changes based on the situation.
Everyday Language of Triangles
- Common phrases like "taking sides," "ganging up," and "us vs. them" reflect the dynamics of inside and outside positions.
- When things get tough, people seek relief from the pressure of "team" dynamics, preferring phrases like "not my circus."