Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory

This podcast episode looks at the concept of the multigenerational transmission process in Bowen family systems theory. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of the concept, along with examples, what they find useful, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.

Dr. Carrie Collier is a researcher, lecturer and family therapist specializing in Bowen Family Systems Theory. She earned her PhD in Counsellor Education and has over 25 years of study and practice as a Licensed Professional Counsellor. She is on the faculty of The Bowen Center where she serves on the Board of Directors and was Director for two years. She published and validated a Family Unit Functioning Questionnaire used by therapists and researchers to gather information about families. Her most recent research on the language of nature in Murray Bowen's archival papers can be found in The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Family Therapy.

Resources:

Dr. Carrie Collier - The Language of Nature in Murray Bowen’s Writings: here.

Elevator Systems, Season 1 Family Diagram episode: here.

Family Matters - The Importance of Knowing Family History: here.

Dr. Michael Kerr, Bowen Theory's Secrets: here.

Dr. Kathleen Smith - The Inflexibility of Family Story: here.

NY Times, One Set of China. Five Generations: here.

#bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen 

#relationship #family #generations #patterns #familyhistory

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 family projection process in Bowen family systems theory. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of the concept, along with examples, what they find useful, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.

Dr. Walter Smith Jr. is a licensed psychologist, a retired Deputy Director and Clinical Director at the Allegheny County Dept of Human Services, was both a clinical director and then Executive Director of Family Resources. He is currently a board member of the Pittsburgh Foundation and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Casey Family Programs foundation whose mission is to provide, improve, and ultimately prevent the need for foster care. Walter attended post graduate training in Bowen theory at the Georgetown Family Center in the early 1980s and his career has focused on understanding family violence and child abuse from a systems perspective.

Resources: 

Dr. Bowen “Chalk Talks”: here.

Parent Hope Project & podcast: here.

Philip Klever, “The Sensitivities of Marriage” article, Family Systems Forum, No. 3 Fall 2006: here.

Dr. Michael Kerr, One Family’s Story: A Primer on Bowen Theory: here.

Kathleen Smith, The Anxious Overachiever article, “Where is all your energy going?”:  here.

#bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen  #relationship #family, #marriage #projection #problemchild

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 episode discusses the Bowen family systems theory concept of the nuclear family emotional system, and what it means to look at the family and its processes and patterns from a systems perspective. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of the concept, along with examples, what they find useful, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.

Amie Post lives in Baltimore MD and is a marriage and family therapist. She is Executive Director of the Center for Family Systems Theory of Western New York and previously was Executive Director at the Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County. She’s been studying Bowen theory since the turn of the century (2001) and is a member of the faculty and on the board of directors at the Bowen Center in Washington DC.

Resources: 

Family Evaluation, Kerr & Bowen: here.

Season 1, four relationship patterns/mechanisms episodes: here.

S1Ep4: Conflict, S1Ep5: Distance, S1Ep6: Triangles, S1Ep7: Over/Under-Functioning 

Victoria Harrison and phylogenetic lineage: here.

October 17-18, 2025 Living Systems hybrid conference with Amie Post. Information will be posted when available here:

#bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen  #relationship #family #nuclearfamily #patterns #process #systems

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 episode revisits the concept of triangles in Bowen family systems theory, focusing on what it means to be in inside or outside positions in relationship triangles. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of the concept, along with examples, what they find useful, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.

Kathleen Cotter Cauley is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has a private practice in both Virginia and Florida. She’s been a faculty member of the Bowen Center since 2012. Kathleen was involved in founding the Florida Family Research Network and has been on the faculty of Extraordinary Leadership and Systems Leadership seminars. Kathleen has been on review boards dealing with sex abuse scandals in the Catholic Church. She has also worked with guide dogs for over 30 years. Kathleen has been married for 40 years, is a stepmom, and a grandma to three. 

Resources:

S1Ep6 Triangles episode with Dr. Jenny Brown here.

Kathleen Cotter Cauley's chapter on stepfamilies in Peter Titelman, Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives here.

Dr. Daniel Papero article in Family Systems Journal Vol. 19.1, “A Review of Triangle Theory” here:

Kathleen Cotter Cauley, Family Matters episode on Young Adults Leaving Home here: 

Kathleen Smith The Anxious Overachiever triangle articles here.

#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

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.

This podcast is the first of two episodes on the Bowen family system theory concept of differentiation of self. Part 1 looks specifically at the functioning of the emotional and intellectual systems within and between humans. 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.

Amie Post lives in Baltimore MD where she is a Marriage and Family Therapist and has a practice coaching, consulting and educating based on Bowen theory. She was recently named as the Interim CEO/President of the Center for Family Systems Theory of Western New York, and previously was the Executive Director at the Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County. She began studying Bowen theory in 2001 and is a member of the board of directors and on the faculty of the Bowen Center in Washington DC.

Resources:

Dr. Murray Bowen,⁠ Family Therapy in Clinical Practice⁠

Bowen theory coaches in Canada: ⁠here⁠

Bowen theory coaches around the world: ⁠here⁠

Kathleen Smith, ⁠Everything Isn’t Terrible⁠:

Kathleen Smith, ⁠True To You⁠:

TIME STAMPS:

Pitch - 2:00

Examples - 10:15

Usefulness - 21:00

Takeaway - 29:40

#bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen #relationship #family

#differentiation #differentiationofself #self #thoughts #feelings #emotions

Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: ⁠here⁠

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 is the first of two episodes on the Bowen family system theory concept of differentiation of self. Part 1 looks specifically at the functioning of the emotional and intellectual systems within and between humans. 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.

Amie Post lives in Baltimore MD where she is a Marriage and Family Therapist and has a practice coaching, consulting and educating based on Bowen theory. She was recently named as the Interim CEO/President of the Center for Family Systems Theory of Western New York, and previously was the Executive Director at the Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County. She began studying Bowen theory in 2001 and is a member of the board of directors and on the faculty of the Bowen Center in Washington DC.

Resources:

Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice

Bowen theory coaches in Canada: here

Bowen theory coaches around the world: here

Kathleen Smith, Everything Isn’t Terrible:

Kathleen Smith, True To You:

TIME STAMPS:

Pitch - 2:00

Examples - 10:15

Usefulness - 21:00

Takeaway - 29:40

#bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen #relationship #family

#differentiation #differentiationofself #self #thoughts #feelings #emotions

Living Systems Counselling and Training provides educational material for those interested in learning more about Bowen family systems theory: here

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 discusses the family diagram which looks at the family across generations highlighting dates, facts, events, and the relationship patterns of Bowen family systems theory. 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.

Avrum Nadigel has been a marriage and family therapist for 25 years, and has completed postgraduate training in Bowen family systems theory. He is the author of three books, “Learning to Commit, “It Takes More than Love: A workbook for singles and couples” cowritten Dr. Aliza Israel, and “Where Would you Like to Start: A Master Therapist on Beginning Psychotherapy with families” cowritten with the late Dr. David Freeman. Avrum has

co-produced two podcasts: “Pop Parenting” and “The Love Examined Playlist” podcasts.

Resources:

Avrum Nadigel’s website and book links: https://www.nadigel.com

Jack Butler, Ed., The Origins of Family Psychotherapy

Dr. Michael Kerr, Family Evaluation

Victoria Harrison, The Family Diagram and Family Research book

Timeline App:

Patrick Stinson Family Diagram App:

Living Systems Family of Origin workshop

TIME STAMPS:

Pitch - 2:15

Examples - 11:45

Usefulness - 19:30

Takeaway - 30:10

#bowenfamilysystemstheory #bowentheory #murraybowen #relationship

#family #familydiagram #genogram #familytree #familyhistory

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 over and under-functioning relationship pattern in Bowen family systems theory. 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.

Avrum Nadigel has been a marriage and family therapist for 25 years, and has completed postgraduate training in Bowen family systems theory. He is the author of three books, “Learning to Commit, “It Takes More than Love: A workbook for singles and couples” cowritten Dr. Aliza Israel, and “Where Would you Like to Start: A Master Therapist on Beginning Psychotherapy with families” cowritten with the late Dr. David Freeman. Avrum has

co-produced two podcasts: “Pop Parenting” and “The Love Examined Playlist” podcasts.

Resources:

Avrum Nadigel’s website and book links: https://www.nadigel.com

Kathleen Smith’s books:

Everything Isn’t Terrible

True To You:

Dr. Murray Bowen,⁠ Family Therapy in Clinical Practice⁠

TIME STAMPS:

Pitch - 3:00

Examples - 8:30

Usefulness - 19:20

Takeaway - 26:20

#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 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.