2022: The 59th Annual Symposium on Family Theory and Family Psychotherapy

The Annual Symposium on Family Theory and Family Psychotherapy is the most important meeting on Bowen theory and its applications. It brings together the liveliest minds in the Bowen network to present, question, and discuss their latest research and ideas. The Symposium also features a Distinguished Guest Lecturer from another scientific discipline whose research is relevant to Bowen theory.

The 59th Symposium was held online on November 4-5, 2022. Use the links below to learn more about the guest lecturer, view the schedule, and order recordings.

Learn More

Distinguished Guest Lecturer | Resources | Schedule | Adjoining Conferences | CEU/CEs | Order Recordings

ORDER RECORDINGS

59th Symposium attendees receive up to 50% off on the Symposium video recordings. Use the discount code provided in your 59th Symposium brochure. Contact the Center if you need help locating your discount.

Distinguished Guest Lecturer

Erik F. Y. Hom, PhD

Erik Hom is an Associate Professor in Biology and member of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Research Center at the University of Mississippi (UM) in Oxford, Mississippi.  A native New Yorker, Dr. Hom received his B.A. in the Natural Sciences with High Honors from Swarthmore College (PA).  He worked in the field of Computational Chemistry at the University of California-San Diego prior to pursuing a Ph.D. in Biophysics at the University of California-San Francisco working in the areas of cellular biophysics, optical methods development, and microscopic imaging.  He conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard University as a Jane Coffin Fellow in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology and FAS Center for Systems Biology, pursuing research primarily in the emerging field of synthetic ecology.  Since 2014, he has been on the faculty at UM.  His lab studies a variety of symbioses involving microbes, with the intent of understanding the ecological principles and evolutionary dynamics that undergird symbiotic interactions and the potential to couple complementary, genetically-encoded functional traits to fuel biological novelty and biodiversity.  In addition to his passion for scientific discovery, Dr. Hom is deeply committed to the scientific training of future generations, particularly in contexts of persistent inequitable access; he founded and directs the ARISE@UM program, which provides faculty-mentored summer STEM research experiences free-of-charge to high school and community college students.  Dr. Hom is a recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER award and has been a visiting scientist at several locations around the world, most recently (2021) at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) in Leipzig, Germany.

DR. Hom Will be speaking ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS AT THE SYMPOSIUM:

  • The Importance of Tinkering and Following Your Nose: Two Tales of Symbiosis Discovery

    Making scientific discoveries is as much about leveraging intuition as it is about applying the scientific method—with a healthy dose of good luck mixed in. In this talk, Dr. Hom will share two research stories about symbiosis that exemplify this: one on novel symbioses formed between fungi and algae created in the laboratory (affectionately dubbed “Franken-lichens”), and another involving sloths and the algae that grow on their fur. He will discuss some of the surprises, lessons learned, and unanswered questions from these efforts aimed at understanding both the origins of symbiosis and the complex relationships that form between symbiotic partners.

  • Looking Back with the Eyes of the Future: Symbiosis and the Anthropocene

    As all organisms live in relationships with other living things, ecology is as much a fundamental reality as evolution. Symbiosis, a unique type of ecological relationship, has played a powerful role in shaping life as we know it here on Earth. Concerted human activity has also powerfully shaped the Earth ecosystem, causing many geologists to refer to the period in which we live, the “Anthropocene”, marked by substantial negative climate change, erosion, and biodiversity loss. Many wonder how much more we can tax the resilience of Earth’s systems before it leads to catastrophic failure. In this talk, Dr. Hom will discuss the historical and scientific relationship between anthropogenic change and symbiosis to help situate our thinking between cynicism and hope, and to prompt discussion about how we can become more mindful of our relationships with Nature and work toward collective actions and habits that lead to more constructive outcomes.

 

Resources

Schedule

Friday, November 4

Time

Title

Presenter(s)
9:20 Introduction and Welcome to the Symposium Carrie Collier, PhD, LPC, CRC
Moderator: Carrie Collier, PhD, LPC, CRC
9:30 From Fusion to Differentiation: The Continuum of Connectedness in The Bowen theory
 Daniel V. Papero, PhD, LCSW
10:00 Sexual Reproduction: Nature’s gift; Nature’s Challenge

Stephanie Ferrera
10:20 Discussion
10:45 Break
11:00 The Importance of Tinkering and Following Your Nose: Two Tales of Symbiosis Discovery

 Distinguished Guest Lecturer: Erik F. Y. Hom, PhD
12:30 Lunch Break
1:30 Clinical Research Based on Bowen Theory

Murray Bowen wrote that therapists could help theory one day become a real science "if they could find a way to govern their thinking in a scientific direction." A model of clinical research, based on theory, could help therapists move theory further toward science.		 Randall T. Frost, MDiv
2:00 Bringing the Triangle to Life: Managing Short-Term Stress Toward Self-Regulation Laurie Lassiter
2:20 Discussion
2:50 Break
3:05 Family Emotional Process, the Adoptive family and Epigenetics

This presentation will explore the relationship between family emotional process and epigenetics in the adoptive family. Epigenetic research across species documents the plasticity of gene expression in the human as well as in other species. The results of cross-fostering studies of non-human species stir questions about the impact of the family emotional process on adopted children.		 Laura Brooks, MSW, LCSWC-C
3:25 Lessons From Two Pioneers In The Study Of Natural Systems

The fundamental contribution to natural systems thinking by Dr. Murray Bowen and Dr. Deborah M. Gordon respectively will be highlighted by a long-term student of both systems. Potential contribution to a new way of thinking provides a path for human adaptation to the rapidly shifting conditions of the 21st century.		 LeAnne Howard
3:45 Discussion
4:10 Adjournment

Saturday, November 5

Time

Title

Presenter(s)
9:20 Housekeeping Announcements
Moderator: Anne McKnight, EdD, LCSW
9:30 The Integrated Functioning of the Emotional, Feeling, and Intellectual Systems
 Robert J. Noone, PhD
10:00 The Pulse of Family Life
Carrie Collier, PhD, LPC, CRC
10:20 Discussion
10:45 Break
11:00 Looking Back with the Eyes of the Future: Symbiosis and the Anthropocene
 Distinguished Guest Lecturer: Erik F. Y. Hom, PhD
12:30 Lunch Break
1:30 The Dance of Life: What Bowen Theory Contributes Toward Understanding Evolution

This presentation will summarize what concepts in Bowen theory contribute toward understanding evolution and the human as part of evolution. It will include a discussion of what the future of human evolution may involve for adaptation and survival of life.		 Victoria Harrison, MA, LMFT
2:00 In Defense of Togetherness

Humans out cooperate all other mammals, an instinctual capacity yielding both evolutionary advantages and potential costs. It IS possible to think for self and cooperate efficiently, perhaps a trait unique to homo sapiens. Responsible togetherness while aspirational is attainable.		 Anthony J. Wilgus, MA, MSW
2:20 Discussion
2:50 Break
3:05 Assessing Congregations: A Bowen Family Systems Theory Approach
Barbara Laymon, PhD
3:25 Family Reaction To A Process Of Death Foretold
Alejandro Astorga A.
3:45 Discussion
4:20 Adjournment

CEU/CEs

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center is authorized by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners and the District of Columbia Board of Social Work to provide continuing education credit. This program is a Category I offering.

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6225. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The number of Category I continuing education credit for social workers and for counselors will be announced. Registrants must attend the conference live to receive continuing education credit. We do not offer continuing education credit for viewing conference recordings. You must attend both days of the conference in order to receive 10 CEU/CE hours.

IF YOU PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CEU/CE PROCESS, IT IS NECESSARY TO:

  • Pay the CEU/CE fee of $30 prior to the start of the conference.

  • Attend the entire livestreamed conference.

  • Enable video so that you are visible throughout the entirety of the conference (except during designated breaks or lunch).

  • Submit a completed evaluation.

If you have any questions about CEU/CEs, please email ceu@thebowencenter.org.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Invite experienced Bowen thinkers from around the US and internationally to present their application of Bowen theory to clinical, research, and theory applications.

  • Invite a scientist to speak as a Distinguished Guest Lecturer to present latest research that has an interplay with Bowen theory.

  • Generate lively discussion on the presentations with the goal of provoking new learning and connections in the application of Bowen theory.

GEORGETOWN FAMILY CENTER, INC.

59th Annual Symposium on Family Theory and Family Psychotherapy

ACEP No. 6225