Welcome to Elevator Systems! In this episode we are looking at a Bowen family systems theory perspective on relationships with kids with challenges. Joining hosts Dixie Vandersluys and Katie White is fellow Living Systems colleague Devana Weiss who brings personal and professional experience to this topic.
Devana Weiss is a licensed counsellor in private practise, a clinical supervisor, and a faculty member with Living Systems. She has been studying and practicing Bowen family systems theory for almost 20 years. She is married and a mother to three children, one of whom has developmental disabilities. She has lived experience navigating the medical and school systems and enjoys assisting parents and caregivers who face similar challenges.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The impact that worry has on a child with challenges and their relationships
- The importance of recognizing what is within one’s control as a parent and responding with steadiness, clear thinking and guiding principles during tough times
- The pattern of over and under-functioning and how Bowen theory is useful for assessing facts and needs and what kind of help is helpful
- The role of siblings and the whole family system in managing challenge
- Examples include: an analogy from a garden, the movie CODA, dinner time struggles, and how parents and professionals can manage their own anxiety
For any professional, family member, or friend in relationship with a child with a challenge, this episode offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a resource.
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1 & 2.
Recommended Resources:
- Catherine M. Rakow: Making Sense of Human Life
- Dr. Michael E. Kerr: Bowen Theory’s Secrets (epilogue chapter)
- Parent Hope Project specific episodes:
New podcast episodes released every Tuesday this season—stay tuned as we explore relationships across the lifespan!
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts so you don’t miss a weekly release.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Living Systems Hybrid Conference: October 17–18, 2025
Conference theme: Aging—Individual Challenge or Family Opportunity?
Learn more: https://livingsystems.ca/education/conferences/fall-2025-conference-on-aging/
Key Topics:#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen #Therapy #SystemsThinking #Family #Parenting #Parents #Children #Kids #KidswithChallenges #SpecialNeeds #Disability #Help #Inclusion #Challenges #Resources #Helpfulness #Worry #CODAmovie #TherapyPodcast #Neurotypical #Neurodivergent #Anxiety #MentalHealth #Relationships #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast #MurrayBowenArchives #TMBAP #TheMurrayBowenArchivesProject
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.
