Welcome to Elevator Systems! In this episode we delve into the complexities of adolescence through the lens of Bowen family systems theory. Join hosts Dixie Vandersluys and Katie White with guest Avrum Nadigel as they explore how understanding family dynamics can illuminate the challenges and opportunities of the teenage years.
Avrum Nadigel has been a marriage and family therapist for 25 years and has completed postgraduate training in Bowen family systems theory. He is the author of three book: “Learning to Commit”, “It Takes More than Love” and “Where Would you Like to Start: A Master Therapist on Beginning Psychotherapy with Families”. Avrum has co-produced two podcasts: “Pop Parenting” and “The Love Examined Playlist”.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Bowen family systems theory’s unique perspective on adolescence: thinking about a teenager within the broader context of the family
- How multi-generational processes and family history impact adolescent behavior and development
- The concept of differentiation and how teens strive to form their own identities while balancing family expectation and outside influence
- The significant role parents play in their adolescent's development
- Practical advice for supporting growth, individuality and connection for the family
- Examples include: every John Hughes movie, music, sports, peer pressure, and summer camp
This episode is for professionals, parents, teens or anyone navigating this pivotal stage of life. Tune in to discover how systems thinking is useful in adolescence.
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:
- Family Matters, Surviving the Teen Years
- Avrum Nadigel: Learning to Commit
- Avrum Nadigel: It Takes More than Love
- Avrum Nadigel: Where Would you Like to Start: A Master Therapist on Beginning Psychotherapy with Families
- Dr. Ron Richardson: Family Ties that Bind
- Dr. Daniel J. Siegel: Brainstorm
- Dr. Kathleen Smith: True to You by
New podcast episodes released every Tuesday this season—stay tuned as we explore relationships across the lifespan!
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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
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 #Adolescence #Adolescents #Teens #Teenager #Growth #Development #PeerPressure #Expectations #JohnHughes #TheBreakfastClub #TherapyPodcast #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.
Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory 
