Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory

S3 Ep1 Parents with Dr. Kathleen Smith

Jul 8, 2025
Guest
Kathleen Smith
Dr. Kathleen Smith, a licensed therapist and author from the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family, discusses the intricate dynamics between parents and children. She emphasizes how our early relationships serve as 'Olympic training for objectivity.' The conversation dives into seeing parents as humans, not heroes or villains, exploring the role of blame and anxiety in adult relationships. Real-life examples highlight the importance of curiosity and connection across generations, providing valuable insights for personal growth and understanding family dynamics.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Parents Train Objectivity

  • Our relationship with parents is "Olympic training for objectivity."
  • Being objective about them helps us be objective about ourselves.
INSIGHT

Parent Links Across Generations

  • The parent-child relationship sets up all other relationships.
  • Multigenerational patterns influence how we relate in the world.
INSIGHT

Use Stadium View on Parents

  • Use the "stadium view" to see parents in broader context across time.
  • Childhood is like water we swim in, shaping how parents and we function.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app