The Termination Stage in Bowen's Family Systems Theory

The termination stage has always been recognized as an important aspect of the clinical intervention process. Careful attention to that stage is even more critical in the current practice environment of short-term intervention and demands for measurable outcomes. Bowen's family systems theory, while well established in the field of clinical practice, does not incorporate clear directives for the practitioner about the ending stage of intervention. Still, its major concepts for assessment and intervention suggest a range of termination activities that can affirm and summarize a family's gains. In this article the authors offer a variety of ending strategies for use within family systems theory.