Seminar Syllabus
The Training Seminar in Bowen Theory is a small training and consultation group for postgraduate professionals in health and human services seeking basic knowledge and expertise with Bowen family systems theory. The seminar is structured to guide and facilitate learning the Bowen theory and how to apply it in practice. The seminar is designed as a one-year program and as a multi-year program for those seeking increasingly higher levels of comprehension and skill.
Over eight sessions a year, the training seminar will address five basic subject areas. They are listed here with subtopics that will receive different emphasis depending on the needs and interests of the individuals in the seminar. The goal in terms of knowledge is to learn to “see and think systems” which means observing the interaction of multiple variables rather particular variables in isolation. For the most part the topics are not sequential but interweave continuously throughout the meetings. For those in the second year of participation and beyond, the system relating the different processes are reviewed at a more advanced level each succeeding year.
1. Basic assumptions and scientific basis of Bowen family systems theory
2. Evaluating the family emotional system
In addition to the four basic topics the following topics will be addressed according to the needs of the seminar participants in their area of professional practice:
Consultation and Training Seminar Structure:
The seminar topics are covered through didactic presentations, teaching videos, discussion and consultation and feedback to participants in their efforts to use theory in practice. The didactic morning session is followed by consultation and supervision of participants’ efforts to apply theory between meetings. Seminar participants are asked to present something they are working on or are thinking about at each seminar. These presentations are based on the participant’s effort to use apply theory in their cases and work systems as well as in their personal efforts towards differentiation of self. The effort to apply theory in one’s own family to learn systems thinking is an important in learning the phenomena of the emotional system first hand. The goal of feedback from the leader is to help sharpen and clarify the participants’ effort to apply theory to the problem being addressed.
Assignments:
Reports: At the heart of learning is the effort to apply theory then report on the effort for feedback in the seminars. Participants are encouraged to write a brief description of their efforts between meetings for the purpose of clarifying their thinking as much as possible in order to get the most out of presenting their work and receiving feedback.
Reading: There are three basic texts that are suggested:
Participants will be introduced to the growing bibliography relevant to Bowen theory in science, research and clinical practice and directed to resources for special topics as relevant to their interests and practices. Seminar Participants:
Some participants have continued in the seminar over a period of years either continuously or by returning to the seminar from time to time. Thus the composition of the group usually involves new and advanced participants, which has worked well and has been stimulating for the learning for both advanced and new students of Bowen theory.
Optional individual coaching:
For serious students of Bowen theory individual coaching is usually important at some point. Private practice coaching sessions, for a reduced fee, in person or by phone are offered as an option those who wish individual consultation while enrolled in the seminar. Referrals are also available to a national network of clinicians expert in coaching and therapy based on Bowen theory with various specialized experience.
Leader and Visiting Faculty:
Laura Havstad, PhD, director of Programs in Bowen Theory and a clinical psychologist in private practice in Sebastopol, California maintains responsibility for the clinical consultation and training seminar in her clinical practice. Dr. Havstad, who has taught this seminar for over 20 years, was trained under Murray Bowen. She is a consulting editor for the journal Family Systems, and leads Programs in Bowen Theory as a network program of the Bowen Center in Washington in Washington DC. Visiting faculty participate when the opportunity arises.
Location, Schedule & Cost:
Location: Online Zoom Meeting
Schedule: 9:30 to 3:30 Pacific Time on the third Friday of the month: October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May. Cost: Eight days of the Training Seminar in Bowen Theory $1,300. Contact us for more information and to apply. |
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