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Specialized Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Therapy (Optional Practicum)

Get Specialized Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory

Specialized Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory Program Details

Dates: Sept 2025 – June 2026

Tuition: $3,200 CND

Times: Bi-Weekly 2-hour teaching classes on Tuesdays

Supervision or Consultation: Weekly 2-hour group sessions also on Tuesdays, and eight individual sessions through the training year

Clinical Meetings: One Tuesday evening a month for 2.5 hours

Location: Online using Zoom

 Program Outline

Specialized Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory Program Description

This training provides a thorough introduction to Bowen family systems theory and therapy and contributes to students working on their differentiation of self. This will support individuals becoming competent marriage and family therapists, counsellors, and social workers, if applicable. There is an optional practicum component to this training program.

Please note: because of a backlog of work at the BC Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit, we are waiting for this new program to be officially approved. We do not expect to change the program, so we are accepting applications to the Specialized Training Program.

Learning Objectives:

  • Provides the trainee with a thorough introduction to systems thinking from the perspective of Bowen Theory, its methods, and techniques
  • To apply the theory to efforts in one’s own family and, if applicable, to their clinical work and workplace
  • To relate Bowen Theory to knowledge from the natural sciences
  • Introduces Trainees to family and natural systems research

Admissions Requirements

Applicants have a master’s degree, are enrolled in a master’s degree in counselling, social sciences or related fields, or are a member in good standing with the BCACC, CAMFT or CPCA. However, applicants not pursuing a master’s degree may also apply. All applicants can demonstrate a combination of life and work experience that, in the faculty’s judgement, will enable them to function successfully in the program. Please refer to the program outline for the full admissions requirements.

The theory postulates that far more human activity is governed by man’s (sic) emotional system than he has been willing to admit, and there is far more similarity than dissimilarity between the “dance of life” in lower forms and the “dance of life” in human forms.
Murray Bowen, M.D.
from Family Therapy in Clinical Practice

Faculty

Katie White, Leila Howard, Lois Walker, and Jennifer Hassard.

Meet the Faculty

Application Form

The program begins each year in September. We accept applications on May 1st of that year, and interviews will start in June. We accept final applications by August 1st, and interviews will be completed by early September. Enrollment opens in May 2025.

Applications will need the following items to complete the application form:

  • A Google account/email address
  • A copy of your CV or resume
  • A copy of your educational transcript (highest degree)
  • A Family Diagram / Genogram
  • Current criminal record check (optional at the time of submission)
  • A written request for duty to accommodate a disability, if relevant.

The application form is available HERE

Contact Information

For additional information, please contact us:  training@livingsystems.ca