Learning & Development
Please use this page to explore our Learning & Development programs and their prerequisites. Use the program links to visit web pages for specific programs. The current academic year is now underway.
Registration for 2024-2025 is now closed.
Dr. Kathleen Smith interviews Kent Webb, Director of Learning & Development and head of the Postgraduate Program. Together, they take a closer look at what The Bowen Center's learning programs have to offer.
About the Learning & Development Programs
Progress toward a science of human behavior is an underlying goal of all of the Center’s wide range of programs. Bowen theory—grounded in years of research about human emotional functioning—postulates that to understand individual behavior it is necessary to understand the individual’s functioning in their relationship systems. The theory further understands that members of human relationship systems mutually, subtly, and automatically influence each other’s behavior.
Emphasis in all programs is on self-learning. But the separate roles of teacher and learner are not mutually exclusive. Our Learning & Development programs are a journey of discovery for both to master the known and to identify and explore the unknown about human emotional functioning. With insights of Bowen theory as a guide, significant learning takes place in the relationship process in which the interactions drive the pursuit of knowledge and communication of ideas.
Recent Changes to Program Terminology:
Formerly known as “Training,” our programs are now available under the new name, “Learning & Development.”
The Bowen Center’s learning programs are undergirded by Bowen theory and the concept of differentiation of self. Fundamental to all programs is the intent to provide a collaborative environment in which theory can be learned and applied to to one’s life through the process of working toward differentiation.
The new name—Learning & Development Programs—is reflective of the differentiation effort, as represented by the learner taking responsibility for self, their learning, and outcomes in their own lives. Thus, the learning process occurs within the learner-faculty-consultant relationship on an equal footing, with each contributing their part to the process of learning.
In addition to this change, we have updated the language in several other key program areas:
“Participant” replaces Trainee, Coachee, Client
“Consultation” replaces Coaching and Therapy
“Consultation Group” replaces Supervision Group
*Please refer to the key at the bottom of this page for the Center’s definitions for these terms
Additional Info: Programs are currently held online, with the exception of the Postgraduate Program and Differentiation at Work, which have a mix of both virtual and in-person sessions. CE credits are available for many programs. Please check the program’s web page for details. Course materials are available through the program’s class portal. Other than the introductory class, most programs require background in Bowen theory and an application.
Foundational Programs
An introduction for people with little or no formal training or education in Bowen theory.
For professionals in various fields with previous training in Bowen family systems theory. The program’s focus is on deepening one’s understanding of theoretical concepts and exploring how theory is applied to one’s own family and work. The Continuing Studies Program meets monthly for 2-hour sessions, and also includes individual coaching and video discussion sections.
For professionals in the fields of psychiatry, counseling, education, ministry, research, and organizational consulting. The PGP meets monthly for full day sessions and includes individual and group coaching.
“You can’t control a whole damn family, but you can control you, and anytime you can control you, the family is a healthier organism. That is a reason to become a self. The more you can become a self, the more to your advantage, and the family’s.”
Focused Applications of Theory
Clinic Internship
Participants are able to gain experience in the clinical application of Bowen theory through referrals from the Clinic. Faculty supervision and continued participation in the Postgraduate Program are part of the internship.
Differentiation at Work is an advanced professional development opportunity for Bowen theory practitioners who are interested in actively working on differentiation of self in their professional life.
This monthly seminar for leaders in faith communities explores topics of theory, theology, and the practice of ministry while focusing on our own functioning within the faith community. Guest, faculty, and participant presentations and coaching are included.
A monthly discussion format for applying Bowen theory to clinical cases.
En Español
This group discusses Bowen’s seminal book, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice, and other relevant material. Participants meet five times a year to discuss book chapters, theory, and implications for practice (clinical and otherwise).
Application Open/Close Dates
Registration for 2024-2025 is now closed.
Tuition Policy
Application fees are not refundable.
Deposits, when required for a program, are not refundable.
Full tuition is due August 1, 2024. Installment payments for programs that offer payment plans are due by the the dates specified by the program’s plan.
June 6, 2024 Open House event for Learning & Development.
Tuition is not refundable after the first meeting of the program. Remaining payments for payment plans are due as scheduled.
Tuition and fees can be transferred between Bowen Center programs in consultation with the program heads.
If program participation is prevented due to unanticipated circumstances such as a family emergency, credit for future participation in the same program can be arranged with the approval of the program head.
Definitions for New Learning & Development Terms
Learning - The Bowen Center will provide faculty, resources and create an environment in which knowledge will be delivered through lectures, readings, media, discussion, and consultation.
Development - The Bowen Center will provide opportunity for the learner to integrate and synthesize knowledge that has the potential to facilitate and promote growth toward differentiation of self.
Participant - A participant will take part in the learning programs and work toward learning Bowen theory, applying it to their effort to move toward differentiation of self in one’s life. He, she, or they will take responsibility for their learning and development.
Consultation - The Bowen Center will provide an opportunity for the learner to confer with a Center consultant regarding the theory and its application to their relationship systems. Consultation is intended to facilitate an integration of knowledge of theory and self that promotes learning, improves functioning, and widens perspectives. Responsibility for implementation of ideas coming from the consultation process rests with the learner, as do the associated outcomes.
Questions
For administrative questions, please contact Rachel Burnham, Learning & Development Coordinator.
For questions about a specific program, please contact the program head of the course you’re interested in. Contact information to faculty program leaders is provided on each individual program page. View a list of our available programs above.