Clinical Conference Series 

The Clinical Conferences—held online via zoom—are designed to assist professional people in the pursuit of clinical excellence. Using presentations, videotaped interviews with family members, and ample discussion time, the conferences illustrate the interplay of theory and technique for a variety of human issues. The goals of each conference are to illustrate the application of Bowen theory in practice and to enhance people’s understanding of differentiation of self.

Each month, a different faculty member is responsible for the program and selects a topic of his or her own professional interest. The format of the day includes a lecture on a particular theme followed by videotaped clinical sessions that illustrate the topic. After each presentation there is ample time for discussion and participation by the registrants. The format with its changing topics provides an opportunity to hear different perspectives on Bowen theory applied to a broad range of clinical problems.

Registration is now available via Eventbrite for all clinical conferences of the 2023 - 2024 season. All dates with presenter topics and links for registration are listed below. The next upcoming clinical conference date is on Friday, December 1st, 2023.

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The conferences offer CE’s. Register with conference registration. Learn more here.

Overview

Schedule for the Day | 2023-2024 Conferences | Fees | CEU/CEs | History | Who Will Benefit

* Please note that the schedule may change at the speaker’s discretion. Conference times are Eastern time.

November 2, 2023 In person at Crossways Center in Kensington, Maryland. OR online.
Triangle Theory in Family Psychotherapy
Daniel Papero, PhD, LCSW
The process of family psychotherapy aims to assist a motivated family member shift functioning within a significant family triangle.  If that triangle can attain a higher level of differentiated functioning, the effects ripple through the entire family emotional system.  This clinical day will explore the theory of the triangle and its role in the clinical process.

• Please register for CEs when registering for the conference

• Plan to attend the 60th Annual Symposium on November 3rd and 4th! At Crossways OR online. Learn more and register. Early bird special ends October 6th.

December 1, 2023
Tango Through Transitions with the Thinking Bowen Theory Provides 
Amie Post, MS, LCMFT

Life is full of transitions - from single to partnered, additions of new family members, losses of important relationships, changes in work and community. Conventional theory would consider the external stressors and invite taking time for self, connection with caring others and perhaps even cutting out the changes that are too much. Bowen theory helps us think beyond a one size fits all set of solutions. This clinical conference will consider the variation in response to life transition and explore how differentiation of self provides a way of thinking about how to navigate with increased flexibility and resiliency. 

January 26, 2024
Bowen Theory Development and Psychotherapy
Robert J. Noone, PhD

Murray Bowen developed a new formal theory of the family and human behavior. The theory was based on his observations, experiments, and conceptualizations along with a survey of the scientific literature while he was at the Menninger Foundation, NIMH, and Georgetown University. His research went hand-in-glove with the practice of psychotherapy. In this clinical conference the effort to move toward science and a theory-based family systems psychotherapy will be discussed. A brief description of one of Bowen’s experiments will be included.

March 8, 2024
*NEW TITLE: The Difference of Working on Family of Origin
Jake Morrill, MDiv, MA

NOTE: The initial title of the Clinical Conference has changed from, "Clinically Deft: Play and Anxiety in a Coaching Session" to "The Difference of Working on Family of Origin." The new description of this conference, pertaining to its new title, is shown below. 

A distinctive marker of Bowen family systems theory is the idea of continuing to work on differentiation in one's family of origin. What does that look like? What difference does it make? This clinical conference will engage work on family of origin in the context of clinical work.

April 12, 2024
Faith and Functioning
Randall T. Frost, MDiv

Murray Bowen stated that his theory of family systems is based on facts and facts alone.  Can facts be observed in how faith functions among different families, individuals, and communities of faith?  What may Bowen theory contribute to those who seek to function according to the ideals of the best of their religious traditions?

This meeting will build on the two-day conference that precedes it.  The conference will include videotaped interviews with people from two different families for whom both religious faith and Bowen theory have been important. 

May 24, 2024
Family of Origin Work: The Myths, the Facts and the Real-Life Story…
Carrie Collier, PhD

This writer’s recent research into Dr. Bowen’s archival papers revealed the importance that Dr. Bowen placed on one’s family of origin work. His own words about family of origin work from the archives will be presented to delve further into what Bowen meant by family of origin work. Individuals interpret Bowen’s concept family of origin work in many ways. Bowen would say you “hear” or interpret what the construct means based on your level of differentiation of self. 

Register for individual conferences at their Eventbrite links below each conference description. For conference series and first-time attendees purchases, please contact Emma Voorhes, Conference Coordinator.
Return policy: With advance notice, it is possible to apply payment to a subsequent conference in the same academic year.

This one-day conference provides a maximum of 4.5 credit hours of Category I continuing education (CE) for counseling and social work. You must register for CEU/CEs prior to the event. We are unable to offer them after the event. Due to clinical confidentiality, recordings for the Clinical Conferences are not available for later viewing.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CEU/CE ELIGIBILITY: 

• Pay the CEU/CE fee of $15 at time of registration. Be sure to choose “Add On” when purchasing your ticket on Eventbrite.  

• Attend each livestreamed or in-person class in its entirety. The conference coordinator will note your attendance. 

• Enable video and show your name on screen so that you are visible throughout the entirety of the class, except during designated breaks or lunch.  

• Submit a completed evaluation no more than 60 days after the event. Shortly after the submission of your completed evaluation, you will be emailed a certificate.  

Policies: The Bowen Center does not offer refunds for CE. We do not offer continuing education credit for viewing any recordings. It is the sole responsibility of the participant to verify their state’s professional licensure criteria for CE qualifications.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the core concepts in Bowen theory. 

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the application of the concepts in clinical practice. 

• Demonstrate an understanding of Bowen family systems theory and the individually oriented theories used in clinical practice. 

• Demonstrate a knowledge of the similarities and differences in the application of conventional theories and Bowen theory in clinical practice. 

• Demonstrate the use of strategies employed in Bowen theory. 

• Demonstrate the capacity to maintain a family focus in all phases of the treatment process. 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of one’s own self-awareness in being an effective therapist. 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the coach/therapist in the clinical process. 

• Demonstrate the ability to address a wide range of social, emotional and physical problems when using Bowen theory. 

• Demonstrate the capacity to intervene appropriately enable the clients to address their issues and concerns. 

• Demonstrate the ability to employ Bowen theory in all phases of the treatment process including assessment, diagnosis and treatment. 

• Demonstrate a solid grounding in the values and theory required for competency in clinical practice. 

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center is authorized by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners 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 the National Board for Certified Counselors (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. 

If you have any questions about Continuing Education, please email ceu@thebowencenter.org. 

ACEP No. 6225

The Conference Series began in January 1967 as a monthly videotaped interview project with families seen by Murray Bowen at the Medical College of Virginia. He pioneered the use of videotape in family therapy and saw its potential for teaching and enhancing the therapeutic process. In 1978 the project moved to Washington under the auspices of the Georgetown University Family Center. Gradually, responsibility for the conference was transferred to the faculty of the Family Center. The long, continuous history and the unusual format of videotaping families who are invited to the clinical day make this conference unique in the world of family theory and family psychotherapy.

The Clinical Conference is designed for mental health professionals and other professionals with postgraduate training. This includes but is not limited to: psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, psychologists, counselors, clergy, and other mental health clinicians. Graduate students are especially welcome.