Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory

Welcome to season two of Elevator Systems!  This pre-season episode gives an introduction to the eight concepts of Bowen family systems theory which will be the focus of season two. Each episode will involve an elevator pitch, examples, useful resources, and questions for further thinking on each of the eight concepts which Dr. Bowen developed from his observations of human functioning.  Dixie Vandersluys is the creator and host of Elevator Systems and is a Canadian Certified Counsellor. She currently lives in Manitoba, Canada where she has an online private practice and enjoys pursuing further education, including three years of post-graduate training with Living Systems. Dixie is a member of the faculty of Living Systems Counselling and Training. Katie White is a couple and family therapist who has been working clinically for over 20 years in the US, Australia and now in Vancouver, Canada. She has been studying and using Bowen Theory in her work and family life for 12 years.  She is the Executive Director of Living Systems, where she also teaches and supervises trainees, as well as having a private practice for individuals, couples and families.  Resources:  Dr. Bowen “Chalk Talks”: https://www.thebowencenter.org/bowen-theory-vids Bowen Center and Living Systems descriptions of 8 concepts: https://www.thebowencenter.org/introduction-eight-concepts https://livingsystems.ca/bowen-theory/ Amie Post Differentiation episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaaEbWwT9Qs #bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen #relationship #family #concepts 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.

Amie Post, a skilled Marriage and Family Therapist from Baltimore and the Interim CEO of the Center for Family Systems Theory, dives into the fascinating concept of differentiation of self. She explores the delicate balance between personal identity and familial connection, using examples from popular culture like Yellowstone. The discussion unveils how family dynamics shape our identities and highlights the importance of self-awareness in relationships. Amie emphasizes that personal growth can be achieved in small, incremental steps while navigating these complex emotional landscapes.

Amie Post, a Marriage and Family Therapist from Baltimore, dives into the fascinating concept of differentiation of self within Bowen Family Systems Theory. She explores the balance between emotional reactions and thoughtful responses, emphasizing their importance in relationships. Listeners gain insights through real-life examples and pop culture references, including 'Inside Out.' Amie also discusses the value of coaching in fostering personal growth and enhancing emotional intelligence, reminding us that meaningful connections drive true change.

Avrum Nadigel, a seasoned marriage and family therapist with 25 years of experience, dives into the world of family diagrams. He explains how these visual tools can reveal relationship patterns and emotional dynamics across generations. Avrum shares personal stories that illustrate how uncovering family secrets can alleviate anxieties. The discussion emphasizes the importance of staying neutral in therapy and how financial dynamics within families often reflect deeper emotional ties. Listeners gain insights into improving their own family relationships.

In this insightful discussion, Avrum Nadigel, a seasoned marriage and family therapist with expertise in Bowen family systems theory, delves into the dynamics of over-functioning and under-functioning in relationships. He illustrates how these patterns disrupt interpersonal connections and offers personal anecdotes that shed light on the need for self-awareness. Avrum emphasizes the importance of boundaries in family dynamics and shares strategies for maintaining identity during complicated interactions, ultimately promoting personal growth and healthier relationships.

This podcast episode looks at the concept of triangles, a relationship pattern in Bowen family systems theory that describes the interaction of more than two people in relationship. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of this idea, along with examples, what they find important about the idea, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking. Dr. Jenny Brown has worked in child and family mental health and family therapy since the 1980s as a trainer, supervisor, author and researcher. She is the Emeritus Executive Director of the Family Systems Institute Sydney and currently directs the Family Systems Practice and the Parent Hope Project. Jenny has published widely, including the best-selling book “Growing Yourself Up”, and the newly published “Facilitating Parent Agency in Child andAdolescent Mental Health – from Helplessness to Hope.” Resources: Jenny Brown, Growing Yourself Up Parent Hope Project: here Harriet Lerner, The Dance of Anger Roberta Gilbert, The Eight Concepts of Bowen Theory Peter Titleman, Triangles Bowen Center, The Basics Series Bowen training networks across the globe: https://www.thebowencenter.org/network-programs Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice TIME STAMPS: Pitch - 2:15 Examples - 7:15 Usefulness - 19:30 Takeaway - 27:35 #bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen #relationship #family #triangles 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.

This podcast episode looks at the relationship pattern of distance in Bowen family systems theory from avoiding eye contact to cutting people out of one’s life. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of this idea, along with examples, what they find important about the idea, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking. Dr. Jenny Brown has worked in child and family mental health and family therapy since the 1980s as a trainer, supervisor, author and researcher. She is the Emeritus Executive Director of the Family Systems Institute Sydney and currently directs the Family Systems Practice and the Parent Hope Project. Jenny has published widely, including the best-selling book “Growing Yourself Up”, and the newly published “Facilitating Parent Agency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health – from Helplessness to Hope.” Resources: Jenny Brown, Growing Yourself Up Parent Hope Project: here Harriet Lerner, The Dance of Intimacy Harriet Lerner, The Dance of Connection Robert Creech, Family Systems and Congregational Life Notes of a Biology Watcher: here Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice TIME STAMPS: Pitch - 2:30 Examples - 8:30 Usefulness - 17:45 Takeaway - 30:00 #bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen #relationship #family #distance #closeness #cutoff #discomfort 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 from this podcast is used at your own risk.

Dr. Kathleen Smith, a licensed therapist and author based in DC, delves into the intricate dynamics of family relationships, showcasing her expertise in Bowen family systems theory. She explores four key relationship patterns, particularly conflict, illustrating how avoidance often masks deeper issues. With engaging real-life examples, Smith emphasizes the power of self-reflection and awareness to break cyclical conflicts. Listeners gain practical insights and resources to foster healthier interactions within their families.

S1Ep3 Anxiety with Dave Galloway This podcast episode looks at the topic of anxiety and the difference Bowen family systems theory sees between acute anxiety and chronic anxiety. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of this idea, along with examples, what they find important about the idea, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking. Dave Galloway has been studying Bowen Theory for over 20 years. He has spoken at conferences, is an instructor, and writes on systems thinking. He is certified as Family Enterprise Advisor and Clear Leadership trainer. Having worked in the software industry for decades in leadership roles he has seen the impact of emotional functioning in work systems. Dave lives in Vancouver, BC and is on the faculty of Living Systems. Resources: Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice: https://tinyurl.com/5yhxmna9 Dr. Michael Kerr, Family Evaluation: https://shorturl.at/QBpEu Dr. Michael Kerr, Bowen Theory Secrets: https://shorturl.at/a0Y9k Kathleen Smith, Everything Isn’t Terrible: https://shorturl.at/uxl9l Bowen-Kerr Interview #4: https://www.thebowencenter.org/bowen-theory-vids#bowen-kerr-interview- series TIME STAMPS: Pitch - 1:50 Examples - 15:00 Usefulness - 20:50 Takeaway - 29:15 #bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen #relationship #family #anxiety 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.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Kathleen Smith, a licensed therapist and author known for her work on anxiety and relationships, dives into the concept of togetherness within Bowen Family Systems Theory. She explores the delicate balance between collective connection and individual identity, sharing anecdotes to highlight the dangers of conformity. Dr. Smith also draws parallels with animal behavior, emphasizing the necessity of social bonding. With insights on mindfulness and the impact of group dynamics on personal well-being, she encourages fostering meaningful connections.