Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory

Kathleen Cotter Cauley, a licensed marriage and family therapist and faculty member of the Bowen Center, discusses the fascinating world of triangles in family systems. She explores how inside and outside positions affect relationships and shares personal anecdotes about family dynamics, like feeling excluded at gatherings. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness in navigating complex relational dynamics and trusting adult children to make their own choices. Listeners will walk away with tools to manage anxiety and deepen their understanding of their own interactions.

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.

Dr. Jenny Brown, Emeritus Executive Director of the Family Systems Institute Sydney, dives into the concept of triangles in relationships, drawing on decades of experience in family therapy. She explains how these dynamic patterns shape interactions among three people and discusses their implications for conflict resolution. Listeners learn about the importance of self-awareness and communication in navigating emotional triangles, especially in family settings. Practical applications and resources for further exploration are shared, making this discussion both insightful and empowering.

Dr. Jenny Brown, an expert in family therapy and former Executive Director of the Family Systems Institute Sydney, dives into the intriguing dynamics of emotional distance in relationships. She shares how distancing often stems from discomfort and affects connections. Listeners will learn about the phenomenon of cutoff, personal anecdotes illustrating relationship boundaries, and the role of self-awareness in fostering deeper emotional engagement. Jenny also emphasizes the need for intentionality and offers insightful resources for navigating family dynamics.

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.

Dave Galloway, a seasoned faculty member at Living Systems with over 20 years in Bowen Theory, dives into the fascinating world of anxiety. He distinguishes between acute and chronic anxiety, sharing personal anecdotes that highlight how these forms affect relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility in managing anxiety. Galloway encourages listeners to embrace discomfort and utilize anxiety as a catalyst for personal growth, especially in parenting and interpersonal dynamics.