Continuing Studies Seminar in
Family and Congregational Systems
Focus Theme: “Differentiation of Self: The Cornerstone Concept”
October 2024 – May 2025, Synchronous Online
Program Outline
Bowen Family Systems Theory has attracted increasing attention from leaders of faith communities and other organizations. In addition, many have found it a resource for a variety of personal life challenges—parenting, extended family relationships, retirement planning and more. Bowen theory offers a different way to observe and understand human relationships. A common outcome is the discovery that a deeper understanding of one’s own family system propels an increasing effectiveness in other relationship systems—including in one’s profession.
The annual Continuing Studies Seminar program includes:
- monthly topical Zoom lectures and discussion
- monthly facilitated group discussion & participant presentations
- monthly individual coaching/consultation sessions
- readings, video recordings, & writing prompts to integrate learning with practice
The Continuing Studies Seminar is intended for those with some acquaintance with Bowen Theory and who welcome the opportunity to deepen their understanding and its applications. The monthly focus topics for this year's seminar will include:
- Differentiation of Self: Goals and Process
- The Family Diagram and Family Research
- What Does it Mean to be a “Self”?
- Regulating Reactivity Toward Differentiation
- Assessing Family and Organization Emotional Process
- The Not-So-Simple Emotional Triangle
- Differentiation of Self as Leadership
- The Complexities of the “I-Position ”
Instructors
Janis Norton
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Cost and Affordability
Thanks to the generous support from the Lilly Endowment Inc. through a "Thriving in Ministry" grant, students' will receive a 50% reduced rate for this year's seminar, making the total cost only $600. (The regular total cost of the annual continuing studies seminar is $1,200.)
