In today’s dynamic business environment, project management requires a nuanced understanding of interpersonal dynamics and organizational culture. As I delved into its complexities, it was evident that the profound impact of the Bowen Family System Theory (BFST) within corporate project teams presents opportunities for marriage and family therapists (MFTs) interested in organizational consulting to leverage their systemic thinking skills.
Murray Bowen pioneered family therapy and significantly contributed to the field, promoting concepts of how people apply systemic thinking to human behavior (Papero, 2021). In business terms, systemic thinking is a process-oriented problem-solving method that aims to understand how multiple unique events and individuals are interconnected (Atwater & Pittman, 2006). Systemic thinking in family therapy is a process model and approach to understanding human relationships and the interconnectedness of all family members rather than focusing on individuals (Papero, 2021). BFST is used in family therapy to understand human relationships, emotional processes, and each family member’s role in maintaining the system (Papero, 2021).
Initially developed for family therapy, the Bowen Family System Theory offers valuable insights that can optimize project management practices. This article will explore how we can integrate Bowen’s System Theory into project management and examine how it can serve as a powerful tool for licensed therapists seeking additional income through organizational consulting.
Introduction
MFTs transitioning to business consulting from working with individuals and families require skills in business management. The Project Management Institute (PMI, 2021) identified three key drivers for organizational success and understanding the business culture: people, processes, and technology (PPT). Human system theories have become a mainstream topic in the business sector among change management professionals, allowing organizations to understand collective human behavior as a complex living system consisting of multiple connected parts acting together as a whole unit (Papero, 2021). Murray Bowen’s application of systemic thinking theories set him on a course to understanding significant and complex human systems, where individual anxieties and paradoxical behaviors often emerge as problems within organizations and communities (Papero, 2021).
The Project Management Body of Knowledge, PMBOK (PMI, 2021), has asserted that project teams are comprised of team members collectively working towards delivering a product or service or implementing process change in an organization. Corporate project activities are task-driven to accomplish business goals based on temporary working relationships where collaboration and the working relationship end once the project is complete (PMI, 2021).
Understanding Bowen Family System Theory
The founder of the Bowen Family System Theory, Dr. Murray Bowen, emphasized the importance of understanding individuals within the context of relationships and systems. While the Bowenian model was initially applied in family therapy, its principles can be effectively adapted to organizational settings. The core tenets of this theory include:
- Differentiation of Self: The ability to maintain individuality while staying connected to others
- Emotional Reactivity: How individuals respond emotionally to challenges and stressors
- Triangulation: The tendency to involve a third party in conflicts to reduce anxiety
- Family Projection Process: The transmission of emotional issues across generations
- Multigenerational Transmission Process: How family dynamics influence future generations
Applying Bowen concepts to project teams can help us as clinicians gain insights into business project team dynamics, leadership styles, and organizational culture, ultimately enhancing project management performance and delivery outcomes. Below are examples:
Applying Bowen’s principles in project management
Differentiation of self in project teams
Through the lens of project management, differentiation of self refers to how team members express their individuality while collaborating to meet business goals effectively. The goal is to foster an environment where team members are empowered to share their insights, perspectives, and ideas, which leads to positive feedback loops and innovative and effective solutions.
To optimize this process while coaching teams, therapists can implement regular brainstorming sessions that encourage open communication. In the business coaching role, MFTs can help teams develop healthy boundaries that can enhance team morale, promote a systemic understanding between peers, and create positive feedback loops that amplify and encourage positive interactions with peers.
Managing emotional reactivity
Emotional reactivity can derail project timelines and team cohesion. Program and project managers must recognize the emotional landscape within a team (Camplisson & Cormican, 2023). Implementing emotional check-ins during meetings is a great way to create symmetrical interaction patterns and team members’ feelings about the project. Project and program managers can address concerns by creating a safe space for expression before they escalate into conflicts.
Additionally, Thibodeau et al. (2016) elaborated further by stating that when program and project managers seek additional training to build competencies in the power of emotional intelligence, they can significantly improve their team’s ability to regulate stress and foster a supportive work environment. This aspect of systemic thinking and emotional reactivity allows business managers to view emotional responses as part of the larger project ecosystem that is reciprocal in the nuclear team and extended groups.
Triangulation and conflict resolution
Triangulation occurs when individuals pull in third parties to mediate conflicts, often complicating communication. Encouraging direct communication between conflicting parties can effectively resolve issues. I recommend establishing ground rules and meeting etiquette for conflict resolution that promotes accountability and direct dialogue.
To clearly show the correlation between Bowen System Therapy and business management, Thibodeau (2023) highlights that when team members feel equipped to address disagreements openly and respectfully, misunderstandings can be significantly reduced, and a more cohesive team can form. This strategy aligns with the principles of Bowen’s System Theory, emphasizing direct relationships over triangulated ones.
Understanding the family projection process
The family projection process illustrates how emotional issues can influence behaviors and decisions. In project management, we must acknowledge that team members may bring unresolved personal problems into the workplace, such as competing priorities. Project managers are encouraged to develop an awareness of these dynamics through team-building exercises that promote self-reflection and understanding.
Empathy within project teams is also a critical projection process. Ewin et al. (2024) highlighted that facilitating discussions about personal values and experiences can create a more empathetic team culture. Keusters et al. (2024) further explain that holistic empathy enhances project outcomes and enriches team members’ professional development. Empathy is related to the project manager’s tasks and competencies essential for project success, such as communication, collaboration, and trust (Solares Menegazzo et al., 2015).
Utilizing the multigenerational transmission process
The impact of multigenerational transmission process behaviors and patterns passed down through generations is an important topic in corporate project teams. To reinforce the impact of the multigenerational transmission process, Marquis and Qiao (2024) offered the following point of view: In the context of project management, it is vital to recognize the influence of organizational history on current projects, similarly to destructive and positive entitlements. Conducting a thorough analysis of past projects is advised to identify patterns of success and failure.
Amissah et al. (2020) reflect on the multigenerational transition process by stating that we can learn from previous experiences by utilizing system thinking to optimize our current project management strategies. This reflective practice can lead to more informed decision-making and a stronger project foundation.
Papero (2021) commented that Murray Bowen’s theory on the complexities of human relationship systems describes the family emotional process (FEP) as the primary driver when applied within the management of complex behavioral human systems. Bowen family systems theory and its applications will be explained in detail below. For now, as Papero (2021) explained, it is enough to understand that Bowen’s theory of the human system of emotional connections involves processes of systemic thinking, its relational context, and behavior regulations.
The role of MFTs in organizational consulting
As licensed therapists, we possess unique skills that can benefit us as organizational consultants. With our expertise in understanding human behavior, problem-solving, and interpersonal dynamics, we can offer valuable insights to businesses seeking to improve their project management practices and teams.
Creating value through systemic consulting
Applying the Bowen Family System Theory to organizational consulting aims to help businesses navigate complex interpersonal dynamics. Here are some ways therapists can create value and stand out as a leading expert within corporate organizations:
- Workshops and Training: Conduct workshops on emotional intelligence and conflict resolution tailored for project teams.
- Team Assessments: Systemic assessments are used to identify areas for improvement in team dynamics, such as personal strengths or goals, Myers-Briggs® personality type, career interest inventory, and motivational appraisal of personal potential. These career-driven assessments can help project team members gain insight into internal strengths to help them and stand out among their peers.
- Coaching and Mentoring: Provide coaching sessions for project managers to enhance their leadership skills, empathy, and emotional awareness.
Building a niche in project management consulting
As therapists, we are in the leading position to carve out a niche in transforming project teams as organizational consultants by emphasizing our understanding and in-depth training on interpreting and resolving systemic issues. By marketing our services to organizations looking to optimize their project management processes, we can create additional income streams while making a meaningful impact by furthering the knowledge of MFT’s competencies.
Networking and collaboration opportunities
Collaborating with project management professionals can enhance our consulting services. Attending industry conferences and networking events to connect with potential clients and partners is a great way to begin networking within project management. We can expand our reach and influence by positioning ourselves as experts in the intersection of therapy and organizational consulting.
Conclusion
If you are a therapist seeking additional income or ready to share your expertise in the business sector, consider exploring organizational consulting. By applying the principles of the Bowen Family System Theory, we can enhance our professional growth and contribute to the success of teams and organizations. Business consulting is similar to helping individuals and families become the authors of their lives. Our skills and expertise in human behavior and Bowen System Theory are in high demand.
As licensed and trained therapists, we can leverage our systemic thinking skills in organizational consulting to provide valuable insights to businesses. We can create meaningful organizational change by embracing our competencies, ultimately improving project management practices and performance.
Integrating Bowen Family System Theory into project management offers a fresh perspective on optimizing team dynamics and enhancing project outcomes. By understanding the principles of differentiation, emotional reactivity, triangulation, and multigenerational transmission, we can more easily navigate the complexities of project management.
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Photo Credits: istock/jacoblund, istock/Drazen Zigic

Karen Muhammad, DMFT, LMFT, RMFT, CAS-IBCCES, PMP, is an AAMFT Professional Member holding the Clinical Fellow designation. She is an LMFT and Qualified Supervisor in New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Connecticut, and Canada and a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS)- IBCCES. She implements Bowen and Gestalt therapy techniques, coupled with a person-centered, strengths-based approach when working with individuals, couples, families, groups, and athletes. The therapeutic focus is on helping individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths and mental blocks. Info@familytherapymft.com
Adham, T. (2023). Conflict resolution in team: Analyzing the cause of conflicts and best skills for conflict resolution, 11, 152-163. 10.36347/sjet.2023.v11i08.001
Amissah, M., Gannon, T., & Monat, J., (2020). What is systems thinking? Expert perspectives from the WPI Systems Thinking Colloquium of 2 October 2019. Systems. 8. 6. 10.3390/systems8010006
Camplisson C., Cormican, K., (2023). Analysis of emotional intelligence in project managers: Scale development and validation. Procedia Computer Science, 1777-1784/ 10.1016/j.procs.2023.01.473
Ewin, N., Natalie, R., Olav, M., (2024). Exploring empathy in project management: Workplace narratives inspiring reflection and discussion. Procedia Computer Science. 10.1016/j.procs.2024.06.395
Keusters, G., Hertogh, M., Bakker, H., & Houwing, E.-J. (2024). Empathic ability as a driver for project management. International Journal of Project Management, 42(4), Article 102591. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2024.102591
Marquis, C., Qiao, K., (2024). History matters for organizations: An integrative framework for understanding influences from the past. Academy of Management Review, 2022-2038 10.5465/amr.2022.0238
Papero, D. V. (2021). Murray Bowen’s contribution to the study of complex human systems. Family Systems: A Journal of Natural Systems Thinking in Psychiatry & the Sciences, 16(1), 43-67.
Project Management Institute. (2021). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK guide; 7th ed.). https://PMI.org
Solares Menegazzo, J., Cruz-Ortiz, V., Ortega-Maldonada A., Salanova. M., (2015) Positive institutions and their relationship with transformational leadership, empathy and team performance. Multidisciplinary Journal for Education, Social and Technological Sciences, 2(2), pp. 38-64
Thibodeau, P., Winneg, A., Flusberg, S., & Flusberg, C., (2016). The mind is an ecosystem: Systemic metaphors promote systems thinking. Metaphor and the Social World. 6. 225-242. 10.1075/msw.6.2.03thi
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