Basic Course in Bowen Family Systems Theory
This monthly course is free to anyone interested and motivated to consider Bowen theory as an alternative to conventional approaches to solving problems in families, organizations, or society. It is an opportunity to learn and use Bowen theory in one’s own family and other relationships systems such as organizations and fields of work. Each of the nine sessions will focus on theoretical concepts and the ways they are learned through the study of one’s own family and through applications in various fields.
“The concept of differentiation has to do with self and not with others. Differentiation deals with working on one’s own self, with controlling self, with becoming a more responsible person, and permitting others to be themselves.” — Murray Bowen
Differentiation of self is the basis for learning and applying Bowen theory. Steps toward differentiation are described throughout the chapters in Bowen’s collected papers, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. Everyone learns in their unique way. This course will provide theoretical and experiential groundwork for the changes in a system that occur based on a family member or leaders who is working on differentiation.
Attendees are required to attend all nine monthly sessions. The practice aspect of learning is an integral part of learning Bowen theory. For anyone interested, individual monthly sessions are also available to work on understanding and applying the theory to one’s family.
Curriculum
Participants will meet on the third Monday of every month (September through May) for nine months. Sessions begin on 6:00 pm and last 90 minutes. The curriculum for each month and materials will be provided upon registration. You will be expected to purchase Family Therapy in Clinical Practice by Murray Bowen and The Family Diagram and Family Research by Victoria Harrison. The facilitator may recommend other books throughout the course.
Sessions:
3rd Mondays September 2019 through May 2020
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Wesley United Methodist Church, Aurora, IL
About Bowen Family Systems Theory
Murray Bowen, MD, established a theory of human behavior based upon the study of family systems and knowledge from the natural sciences. Bowen family systems theory provides a conceptual framework for understanding the family, organizations, and human society as emotional systems consistent with facts from biology, evolution, and neuroscience. Knowledge and
practice of theory are a foundation for understanding one’s own family, and for research and applications that address problems in human society.
Learning is an individual process that occurs through application and practice as well as through knowledge of theory. The study of one’s own family is a vital training ground for learning and using Bowen family systems theory in one’s field of work. It takes time to integrate the intellectually and emotionally stimulating experiences.
About the Presenter
John Bell, M.Div. is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church where he has served for 25 years and is a faculty member for the Center for Family Consultation. He has been teaching and applying the principles of Bowen Family System Theory for more 20 years. John finished a three-year post-graduate program in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Its Applications at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family at the Georgetown Family Center in Washington, DC. In addition to his work in his local church, John’s effort to understand BFST continues through research, writing, blogging, teaching, conferences and coaching individuals, families and congregations. John is married with three children and is currently serving Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora, Illinois.
Contact Information
If you are interested in registering or finding out more information, contact Rev. John Bell at revjohnbell@gmail.com or contact Wesley United Methodist Church at 630-896-1033.
This monthly course is free to anyone interested and motivated to consider Bowen theory as an alternative to conventional approaches to solving problems in families, organizations, or society. It is an opportunity to learn and use Bowen theory in one’s own family and other relationships systems such as organizations and fields of work. Each of the nine sessions will focus on theoretical concepts and the ways they are learned through the study of one’s own family and through applications in various fields.
“The concept of differentiation has to do with self and not with others. Differentiation deals with working on one’s own self, with controlling self, with becoming a more responsible person, and permitting others to be themselves.” — Murray Bowen
Differentiation of self is the basis for learning and applying Bowen theory. Steps toward differentiation are described throughout the chapters in Bowen’s collected papers, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice. Everyone learns in their unique way. This course will provide theoretical and experiential groundwork for the changes in a system that occur based on a family member or leaders who is working on differentiation.
Attendees are required to attend all nine monthly sessions. The practice aspect of learning is an integral part of learning Bowen theory. For anyone interested, individual monthly sessions are also available to work on understanding and applying the theory to one’s family.
Curriculum
Participants will meet on the third Monday of every month (September through May) for nine months. Sessions begin on 6:00 pm and last 90 minutes. The curriculum for each month and materials will be provided upon registration. You will be expected to purchase Family Therapy in Clinical Practice by Murray Bowen and The Family Diagram and Family Research by Victoria Harrison. The facilitator may recommend other books throughout the course.
Sessions:
3rd Mondays September 2019 through May 2020
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Wesley United Methodist Church, Aurora, IL
About Bowen Family Systems Theory
Murray Bowen, MD, established a theory of human behavior based upon the study of family systems and knowledge from the natural sciences. Bowen family systems theory provides a conceptual framework for understanding the family, organizations, and human society as emotional systems consistent with facts from biology, evolution, and neuroscience. Knowledge and
practice of theory are a foundation for understanding one’s own family, and for research and applications that address problems in human society.
Learning is an individual process that occurs through application and practice as well as through knowledge of theory. The study of one’s own family is a vital training ground for learning and using Bowen family systems theory in one’s field of work. It takes time to integrate the intellectually and emotionally stimulating experiences.
About the Presenter
John Bell, M.Div. is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church where he has served for 25 years and is a faculty member for the Center for Family Consultation. He has been teaching and applying the principles of Bowen Family System Theory for more 20 years. John finished a three-year post-graduate program in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Its Applications at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family at the Georgetown Family Center in Washington, DC. In addition to his work in his local church, John’s effort to understand BFST continues through research, writing, blogging, teaching, conferences and coaching individuals, families and congregations. John is married with three children and is currently serving Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora, Illinois.
Contact Information
If you are interested in registering or finding out more information, contact Rev. John Bell at revjohnbell@gmail.com or contact Wesley United Methodist Church at 630-896-1033.