On its own, triangulation is a neutral term in [[Bowen Family Therapy]]. It simply means involving a third party when an anxiety is present. Triangulation is the smallest stable relationship system. There is **always** a triangle. Whether it's with two people and another person, or with work, an animal, spirituality, etc. - All of this is according to [[Bowen Family Therapy]], different theories will have different views on this... - Human's have a natural tendency to triangulate - A couple without kids will still have a triangle with something else (likely not another person, but something else like spirtuality, etc) There are two types of triangulation. ## Dysfunctional triangulation The original dyad never resumes communication to resolve the difficulties, and problems are maintained. This is a chronic pattern. ## Functional triangulation Helps the dyad actually solve the problem. --- The position we take in the triangle with our parents is usually the position we take with future relationships. We repeat it. This is our most important triangle in life.