This special podcast episode was recorded live at the Living Systems Annual General Meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia in May 2025. It addresses the question of what is a relationship system — especially what Bowen family systems theory describes as an “emotional system”. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of a relationship system, examples, how it is useful to Bowen theory, and takeaway ideas, questions, and resources for further thinking.
Lois Walker started observing diversity among families as a young graduate nurse and became interested in the spiritual needs of individuals and families in cancer care and palliative care. Lois later completed a Masters of Divinity and entered the training program in Bowen theory at North Shore Counselling Center (now Living Systems) in 1990 and then completed three years of the post-graduate program at the Georgetown Family Center (now the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family). For 35 years, Lois has continued to study Bowen theory as well as teach and provide clinical supervision in the training program at Living Systems.
Dr. Ronald Richardson graduated from UCLA, Princeton Seminary, and the Rochester/Colgate Divinity School. He worked as a pastor before becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist and Pastoral Counsellor. He was the former Executive Director of Living Systems and retired in 1995. He was an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Supervisor and a Diplomate for the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC). He is the author of many books on the application of Bowen family systems theory to organizations and relationships. He is now 85 and has been married to Lois Richardson for 58 years. Find Ron’s books by searching “Ronald W. Richardson” on Amazon.
Resources:
Murray Bowen: Family Therapy in Clinical Practice
Michael E. Kerr & Murray Bowen: Family Evaluation
Michael E. Kerr: Bowen Theory's Secrets
Anne S. McKnight: Thinking Systems
John F. Butler chapter in: The Family Emotional System (Noone & Papero)
Roberta Gilbert: The Eight Concepts of Bowen Theory
Roberta Gilbert: Extraordinary Relationships
Check out Amazon under “Ronald W. Richardson”
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Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory:https://livingsystems.ca
DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information about Bowen family systems theory and is not considered the practice of counselling or therapy. The information presented are the views of the people who say them. Any information used from this podcast is used at your own risk.
