Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory

By Living SystemsHealth & Fitness Mental Health

Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory episodes

October 06S5 Pre-Season Episode: Bowen Theory Beyond Borders
Elevator Systems is back for Season 5. This season’s theme connects with the Bowen Theory International Conference happening in Vancouver, BC (and online) in July 2027. The conference title is Bowen Theory Beyond Borders: Exploring Current Applications and Growing Global Connections. See the link below for more information on that conference. Season 5 welcomes Bowen thinkers and practitioners from around the globe to discuss different areas they are using and expanding the theory.
Dixie Vandersluys is a Canadian Certified Counsellor based in Manitoba, Canada. She has undergraduate degrees in history and philosophy and a Master of Arts in Counselling from Providence Theological Seminary. Dixie enjoys seeing clients across Canada in her private practice and doing workshops with different groups. Dixie is a faculty member at Living Systems and the creator and host of the Elevator Systems podcast.
Katie White is a Marriage and Family Therapist registered in the US and Canada.  She has been working with individuals, couples and families in schools, clinics, and non-profit centres for twenty years in the US, Australia and Canada. In 2010, Katie began focusing her practice using Bowen family systems theory and has attended the Post-Graduate Program at the Bowen Center.  Katie is currently the Executive Director of Living Systems in Vancouver Canada. Katie teaches and supervises interns there, as well as managing a private practice.
Season 5 episodes will be released every two weeks from Tuesday October 6th til the International Conference in July of 2027.
Buy us a “coffee” at https://ko-fi.com/elevatorsystems and support the production of the podcast!
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1 to 4.
Resources:
Kerr & Bowen, Family Evaluation
2027 International Conference, July 7-9, 2027
Oct 23rd Living Systems Conference, Thinking Big About Family Challenges
Nov 6-7th Bowen Center 63rd Annual Symposium
Living Systems Counselling and Training
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Key Topics:
#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen #SystemsThinking #Relationships #TherapyPodcast #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #Therapy #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast
16 min
July 21 S4 Bonus Episode - Beliefs with Dr. Anne McKnight
The Season 4 bonus episode is a conversation with Dr. Anne McKnight on beliefs, relationships, and Bowen family systems theory. It looks at how emotional pressures influence how people think, act, and believe, and how slowing down, getting curious, and examining one’s position in a relationship system can help clarify beliefs and how one wants to live out beliefs.
Dr. Anne McKnight is a long time student of Bowen theory and has worked as a clinician using the theory in her practice for forty years. She is a Director Emerita of the Bowen Center, which she led from 2010-2020 and the author of Thinking Systems: Applying Bowen Theory in Clinical Practice — which Katie and I both recommend. Anne has presented nationally and internationally on Bowen theory, but most importantly it has been useful in her own life with her family, three children, and nine grandchildren.
Resources:
Anne S McKnight, Thinking Systems: Applying Bowen Theory in Clinical Practice
Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice
Michael Kerr & Murray Bowen, Family Evaluation
Robert L Williamson, Family Thoughts: Studies of the Function of Beliefs within the Family Unit
Robert L Williamson, The Beliefs Chart and Walter Inglis Anderson, Family Systems Forum, Fall, 2008 Vol 10, No.3: https://csnsf.org/family-systems-forum/article-index/
Victoria Harrison, “The Belief Paper Assignment” Family Systems Forum, Fall 2022, Vol 24, No.3: https://csnsf.org/family-systems-forum/article-index/
Interested in the Submitting an Abstract for the International Conference? Email: [email protected]
Buy us a “coffee” at https://ko-fi.com/elevatorsystems and support the production of the podcast!
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1, 2 & 3
Look for Season 5 coming this fall.
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Key Topics:
#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen #SystemsThinking #HotTopics #Anxiety #Beliefs #Values #Differences #Conversations #Dialogue #Growth #Maturity #MentalHealth #Relationships #TherapyPodcast #Differentiation #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #Therapy #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast
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.
47 min
July 07 S4 Ep10 Money with Kathy Wiseman
This episode explores how money is linked to family and relationship processes. Kathy Wiseman shares her personal and professional experience from across the decades in a conversation about how Bowen family systems theory is helpful for individuals, families, and organizations to be more thoughtful about their financial situations, struggles, and goals.
Kathy Wiseman trains and coaches people who live, work, and govern in family business, family foundations and family offices. Kathy is a faculty member at the Bowen Center and was adjunct faculty at the George Washington University School of Business and the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. She also served as President of the Family Firm Institute and Dean of the Family Office Exchange Learning Academy and founded Working Systems. Kathy has co-authored three books: Understanding Organizations, The Emotional Side of Organizations, and Trustworthy.
Resources:
Kathy Wiseman: Understanding Organizations
Kathy Wiseman: The Emotional Side of Organizations
Kathy Wiseman & Hartley Goldstone: Trustworthy
Mariana Martinez & Peter Bloom: Seeing the Blindspot: A Guide for Advisors Working with the Family Enterprise
Victoria Harrison: The Emotional Side of Money, Family Systems Forum No. 4, Winter 2007
Victoria Harrison: The Emotional Side of Money Part 2, Family Systems Forum No. 4, Spring 2008
Eileen G. Pendegast: Wealth, Inherited or Acquired - A Multi-Generational Family Issue in The Family, Vol 11, No.1
Interested in the Submitting an Abstract for the International Conference? Email: [email protected]
Living Systems programs: https://livingsystems.ca/
Want to speak with a counsellor? Click here
Buy us a “coffee” at https://ko-fi.com/elevatorsystems and support the production of the podcast!
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1, 2 & 3
Season 4 episodes are released every two weeks.
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Key Topics:
#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen #SystemsThinking #HotTopics #Money #Wealth #Inheritance #FamilyMoney #Anxiety #GenerationalWealth #FinancialDynamics #WealthTransfer #MoneyConversations #MentalHealth #Relationships #TherapyPodcast #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #Therapy #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast
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.
52 min
June 23 S4 Ep9 Sexual Diversity with Kent Webb
This episode discusses Bowen family systems theory and sexual diversity. Kent Webb joins to share his personal journey and research on the topic. The conversation explores how curiosity and open dialogue can encourage understanding and growth in relationships as well as in Bowen theory itself.
Kent Webb works in both the organizational and mental health worlds with practices in each field. He is an executive coach and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has obtained broad experience and education as both a chief executive officer and a mental health coach. Kent trained in the Postgraduate Program at the Bowen Center and became a faculty member there in 2020. His publications include a chapter in Chronic Illness and Death in the Family, two articles in Family Systems Forum on Sexual Diversity and a chapter in The Emotional Side of Organizations: Applications of Bowen Theory.
Resources:
Kent Webb: Chronic Illness and Death in the Family (Ed. Titleman & Reed)
Kent Webb: The Emotional Side of Organizations: Applications of Bowen Theory
Kent Webb: Family Systems Forum articles
Frans de Waal: Different: Gender Thru the Eyes of a Primatologist
Bowen Center Spring 2025 conference link: Sexual Diversity & the Human Family
Nathan Lents links
Interested in the Submitting an Abstract for the International Conference? Email: [email protected]
Living Systems programs: https://livingsystems.ca/
Want to speak with a counsellor? Click here
Buy us a “coffee” at https://ko-fi.com/elevatorsystems and support the production of the podcast!
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1, 2 & 3
Season 4 episodes are released every two weeks.
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Key Topics:
#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen #SystemsThinking #HotTopics #SexualDiveristy #Gender #GenderDiversity #LGBTQ+ #Curiosity #Conversation #MentalHealth #Relationships #TherapyPodcast #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #Therapy #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast
42 min
June 09 S4 Ep8 Sexual Abuse Scandals with Kathleen Cotter-Cauley
Today’s episode looks at how Bowen family systems theory is useful in the complex area of sexual abuse scandals. Kathleen Cotter-Cauley joins this episode to discuss the many groups involved in scandals and how an eye on the family and relationship systems is a lens that can add clarity and understanding to this complicated and relevant topic.
Kathleen Cotter-Cauley is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has a private practice in both Virginia and Florida. She’s been a faculty member of the Bowen Center since 2012, was involved in founding the Florida Family Research Network, and has been on the faculty of Extraordinary Leadership and Systems Leadership seminars. Some of her community service efforts include working with guide dogs and being part of review boards for sexual abuse scandals in the Catholic Church.
Resources:
Dr. Bowen: Family Therapy in Clinical Practice
Dr. Walter Smith: Child Abuse in Family Emotional Process, Family Systems Journal 5.2
Interested in submitting an abstract for the 2027 International Conference? Email: [email protected]
Living Systems programs: https://livingsystems.ca/
Want to speak with a counsellor? Click here
Buy us a “coffee” at https://ko-fi.com/elevatorsystems and support the production of the podcast!
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1, 2 & 3
Season 4 episodes are released every two weeks.
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Key Topics:
#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen #SystemsThinking #HotTopics #Abuse #SexualAbuse #Scandals #Secrets #WomenTalking #SpotlightMovie #Epstein #EpsteinFiles #MentalHealth #Relationships #TherapyPodcast #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #Therapy #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast
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.
42 min
May 26 S4 Ep7 Politics with Dr. Robert L. Davis
In this episode of Elevator Systems, we explore politics and Bowen family systems theory. Dr. Robert L. Davis is our guest as we zoom out across time and zoom in to the influence on family life, as well as the challenge of maintaining objectivity in politically polarized environments.
Dr. Robert L. Davis is founder and Executive Director of Seasoned With Grace UnBoxed, a nonprofit committed to helping develop strong authentic leaders, as well bringing communities together to develop solutions around public safety and policing. Seasoned With Grace UnBoxed leads two community-centered projects: The Task Force to Reimagine Policing and Public Safety and Transforming Our Communities Alliance (TOCA). He has over 20 years of experience as a senior pastor, Family Life Educator, hospice chaplain, bereavement coordinator, and community leader.
Resources:
Dr. Robert L Davis, Transforming Our Communities Alliance (TOCA)
Dr. Bowen, 1970 letter, The Murray Bowen Archives Project
Katherine Gratwick Baker: Emotional Process in Society, Family Systems Journal, 13.1
W.E.B. Du Bois “Why I Won’t Be Voting in 1956” -
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, “Why I Oppose the Vietnam War”
Family Matters, “Political Reactivity and Self Regulation”
Family Matters “Making Decisions in an Emotionally Aroused Social Environment”
Want to speak with a counsellor? Click here
Buy us a “coffee” at https://ko-fi.com/elevatorsystems and support the production of the podcast!
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1, 2 & 3
Season 4 episodes are released every two weeks.
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Key Topics:
#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen #SystemsThinking #Politics #Polarization #Democratic #Republican #History #Leadership #Differences #Curiosity #Relationships #TherapyPodcast #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #Therapy #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast
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.
47 min
May 12 S4 Ep6 Religion with Matt Steele
Today’s episode looks at religion and relationships. We are diving into a hot topic and seeing how Bowen family systems theory is a resource to thinking about and observing religion and how people function around religion - within and between religious communities. Matt Steele joins us to share his thinking and experience on the topic.
Matt Steele is a Bowen theory coach and pastoral supervisor who grew up in Sydney Australia. Matt is also an ordained Anglican minister and worked in a range of church ministry roles before shifting into his current work. Matt is an associate faculty member at the Family Systems Institute in Australia and now works primarily with Christian pastors, leaders and communities through his business changeroom. Last year he delivered the keynote talks at the Family Systems Institute’s Systems In Ministry Symposium titled, The Emotional Ecosystem of Ministry: Navigating The Relationship Jungle Without Becoming a Predator Or Being Eaten Alive.
Resources:
changeroom: http://changeroom.au/
FSI Ministry Symposium recording
Dr. Bowen 1966 letter, The Murray Bowen Archives Project
Rabbi Edwin Friedman: Generation to Generation
Derek Thompson article
Living Systems programs: https://livingsystems.ca/
Thriving in Ministry conference recording: https://www.thebowencenter.org/conferences
Want to speak with a counsellor? Click here
Buy us a “coffee” at https://ko-fi.com/elevatorsystems and support the production of the podcast!
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1, 2 & 3
Season 4 episodes are released every two weeks.
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Key Topics:
#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen #SystemsThinking #HotTopics #Religion #Faith #Belief #Doubt #Questions #SpiritualGrowth #Differences #LifeTogether #Congregations #Church #God #Christianity #FaithCommunity #Community #Friedman #Mindfulness #Values #MentalHealth #Relationships #TherapyPodcast #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #Therapy #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast
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
48 min
April 28 S4 Ep5 Sports with Amie Post
What does Bowen family systems theory have to say about sports? A surprising amount! Amie Post is on the podcast again to think about the emotional processes of sports and how athletic performance can mirror relationship dynamics. Learn more on how automatic reactions, anxiety, and differentiation of self influence both the game and real-world relationships, offering insights into personal growth and group functioning.
Amie Post, MA, LCMFT is a marriage and family therapist with extensive experience in leadership who began studying Bowen theory in 2001. She is the Interim Director of the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Washington, DC, as well as the Executive Director of the Center for Family Systems Theory of Western New York. Previously Amie held the role of Executive Director at the Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County. Amie is also a wife, mother, and grandmother.
Resources:
Dr. Bowen 1973 letter, The Murray Bowen Archives Project
Dr. Bowen: Family Therapy in Clinical Practice
Kathleen Smith, The Anxious Overachiever
Family Systems Forum
The Bowen Center
The Center for Family Systems Theory of Western New York
Center for Family Consultation (Chicago), Midwest Symposium information
Want to speak with a counsellor? Click here
Buy us a “coffee” at https://ko-fi.com/elevatorsystems and support the production of the podcast!
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1, 2 & 3
Season 4 episodes are released every two weeks.
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Key Topics:
#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen #SystemsThinking #HotTopics #Sports #Team #Player #Athlete #Teamwork #Game #TedLasso #TomBrady #Football #Basketball #Schoolsports #TeamSports #Workout #Practice #Growth #Coaching #Coach #MentalHealth #AthleticPerformance #Relationships #TherapyPodcast #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #Therapy #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast
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
42 min
April 14 S4 Ep4 Family Expectations with Maybo Lui
This episode is a conversation about culture and family expectations from a Bowen family system theory perspective. Counsellor Maybo Lui joins us to discuss how cultural norms and environmental contexts influence family expectations, and how curiosity and flexibility are important to better understanding one’s own perspective as well as the family narrative.
Maybo Lui, MS, RCC is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and faculty member at Living Systems Counselling. She works mainly with adults and couples navigating relationship challenges, anxiety, and life direction. She has been studying Bowen Theory since 2015 and enjoys making these ideas more accessible through visuals and storytelling. Having grown up in a Chinese immigrant family, she often reflects on how family roles and cultural expectations influence how people show up and relate to each other.
Resources:
Maybo Lui’s practice: www.couplesontheroad.com
Dr Murray Bowen, Commitment to Principles: https://murraybowenarchives.org/boyd-book/chapter-5/
Peggy Chan: Bowen Theory, Culture and Therapeutic Applications to Asian Families, Australia and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy, 2024.
Kathleen Smith: Overfunctioning? Try Leaving Instructions for Aliens
Center for Family Consultation (Chicago), Midwest Symposium information
Want to speak with a counsellor? Click here
Buy us a “coffee” at https://ko-fi.com/elevatorsystems and support the production of the podcast!
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1, 2 & 3
Season 4 episodes are be released every two weeks.
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Key Topics:
#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen # #SystemsThinking #Culture #Family #Expectations #Differences #Communication #FamilyStories #Narrative #Flexibility #MentalHealth #Relationships #TherapyPodcast #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #Therapy #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast
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.
40 min
March 31 S4 Ep3 Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Patrick Stinson
In our latest podcast, we explore how Bowen family systems theory is useful in navigating the world of artificial intelligence and how artificial intelligence may inform Bowen theory. In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, understanding how we relate to technology is more important than ever. How does one go from jumping in the deep end or panicked avoidance to thoughtful engagement?
Dr. Patrick Stinson, Psy.D. combines 25 years as a software architect with clinical training in family systems. He is a Doctor of Psychology who studied at the California Institute of Integral Studies and has done pre and post-doctoral internships at The Bowen Center in Washington, DC. Patrick founded Alaska Family Systems, developed the Family Diagram App, and is currently an AI Engineer/Architect at Micron Technology. His 2020 dissertation on problems in psychological science provides the intellectual foundation for this work
Resources:
Alaska Family Systems
Family Diagram App
Dr. Stinson's Open Source Projects
Want to speak with a counsellor? Click here
Buy us a “coffee” at https://ko-fi.com/elevatorsystems and support the production of the podcast!
Terms you don’t understand? We have episodes on all 8 concepts of Bowen theory and other ideas in Elevator Systems Seasons 1, 2 & 3
Season 4 episodes will be released every two weeks starting Tuesday March 3rd.
Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. Like, subscribe, and comment.
Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: https://livingsystems.ca
Key Topics:
#BowenFamilySystems #LivingSystems #MurrayBowen # #SystemsThinking #Polarization #Differences #HotTopics #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Technology #TechEthics #Ethics #Values #CriticalThinking #SocietyChange #IndustrialRevolution #Communication #MentalHealth #Relationships #TherapyPodcast #DifferentiationOfSelf #Differentiation #Therapy #BowenTheory #ElevatorSystems #FamilySystemsTheory #ElevatorSystemsPodcast
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
49 min