Ronald W. Richardson's 'Polarization and the Healthier Church' addresses the growing issue of polarization within religious communities and offers practical strategies for fostering healthier and more unified congregations. Drawing on Bowen family systems theory, Richardson explores the underlying dynamics that contribute to division and conflict. He emphasizes the importance of self-differentiation and understanding emotional processes in navigating disagreements and building stronger relationships. The book provides leaders and members of religious organizations with tools to promote dialogue, manage anxiety, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Richardson’s work offers valuable insights into how Bowen theory can be applied to address polarization and promote healing in religious contexts.
Michael E. Kerr and Murray Bowen's 'Family Evaluation' offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and assessing family dynamics through the lens of Bowen family systems theory. The book presents detailed methods for evaluating family emotional processes, communication patterns, and levels of differentiation. Kerr and Bowen provide practical tools for identifying key systemic issues and developing effective intervention strategies. Through case examples and clinical insights, they illustrate how therapists can use Bowen theory to help families improve their functioning and resolve long-standing problems. This book is an invaluable resource for clinicians, researchers, and students seeking a deeper understanding of family systems and their impact on individual well-being.
Roberta Gilbert's 'The Eight Concepts of Bowen Theory' is a comprehensive guide that breaks down the fundamental principles of Bowen family systems theory. The book elucidates concepts such as differentiation of self, triangles, nuclear family emotional process, family projection process, multigenerational transmission process, emotional cutoff, sibling position, and societal emotional process. Through clear explanations and practical examples, Gilbert illustrates how these concepts interact to influence family dynamics and individual behavior. This book serves as an invaluable resource for students, therapists, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of family relationships and emotional systems. Gilbert’s work enhances readers' understanding of Bowen theory and its application to real-life situations.
This book introduces readers to systems thinking, a critical skill for 21st-century life. It explains how to understand and interact with complex systems, highlighting the importance of internal system structures and feedback loops. The book is divided into sections on system structures and behavior, the relationship between systems and humans, and strategies for creating change within systems. It aims to help readers develop a deeper understanding of systems to address global issues such as climate change, poverty, and social inequalities.
Ronald W. Richardson's 'Jane Austen's Guide to Good Relationships' offers a unique perspective on the timeless wisdom found in Jane Austen's novels. Richardson applies Bowen family systems theory to analyze the relationship dynamics depicted in Austen's works, providing readers with fresh insights into the complexities of human interaction. Through careful examination of Austen's characters and plots, Richardson illustrates how Bowen's concepts, such as differentiation of self and triangles, can be used to understand and improve real-life relationships. This book combines literary analysis with psychological principles, offering readers a delightful and informative exploration of love, family, and social dynamics.
This book encompasses the breadth and depth of Murray Bowen's contributions to family therapy. It details his extensive clinical work with over 500 schizophrenic families between 1950 and 1959, which led to the development of his family systems theory. The book includes chapters on various aspects of family therapy, such as the treatment of family groups with a schizophrenic member, family psychotherapy in hospital and private practice, and the principles and techniques of multiple family therapy. Bowen's work initially built upon Freudian theory but eventually evolved into a distinct understanding of human behavior within family systems.
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.
Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory 
