How can I benefit from the Living Systems Counselling Clinical Internship Program?
Trainees can learn one theory of human functioning well and how to apply the theory to clinical counselling and other professional fields. The depth and breadth of Bowen theory make it applicable to a wide range of relational, emotional, social, and even physical problems. Its delineation of key variables that influence emotional functioning can also help to address problems in work systems. The emphasis on the trainee applying the theory in their own family contributes to their development as a person. In addition, this growth supports their effectiveness in professional settings.
How can Bowen theory help me in my counselling practice?
Theory guides the clinician to assess the way in which the functioning of the entire family unit is influencing presenting problems. An accurate understanding of the emotional forces at work in creating a problem provides a direction for therapy designed to modify the problem. Because the family functions as an emotional system, a therapist guided by theory can work with any member of the family to address his or her contributions to the problem, even if the symptom is present in another member of the family who refuses counselling. The flexibility of a systems approach provides a variety of ways to approach presenting problems in a clinical setting.
How can a deeper understanding of Bowen theory help me in my professional career?
The Program helps people develop an accurate understanding of theory and its application. It provides an opportunity to begin, what can become a long-term effort, to work on how they function in their families of origin. If people can define more of a self in their nuclear and extended families, the amount of chronic anxiety they carry can gradually decline. The effort to understand and change the part one plays in family problems can contribute to becoming a more responsible person.
A more responsible person understands their contributions to the functioning of any system. They can define what they will and won’t do based on principles that they have carefully thought through for themselves. A professional person can modify their emotional reactivity in different situations. This allows for a more accurate appraisal of what they can responsibly do with self in challenging circumstances. The result is more effective professional.
Why does The Program study Bowen theory exclusively?
Living Systems Counselling has adopted Bowen theory as its theoretical approach. This includes its work in counselling, education, training, and research. In this way, each area of the organization’s mission can complement and inform the others. For trainees to follow a Living Systems approach with clients, they must have an adequate grasp of Bowen theory. In addition, they need the ability to apply it in their client work. We believe it is more important to know one theory well than to have a superficial knowledge of many theories. Bowen theory is an open theory that is subject to modification by new knowledge from the natural sciences. Thus, trainees learn some of the recent developments in such areas as brain research, the stress response, and primatology. This is because of the relevance these areas have to the key concepts of the theory.
Can I use clinical hours and supervision time toward my accreditation?
Yes, depending on the accrediting body. People interested in accreditation should check with their accrediting organizations for current policies on required clinical hours and supervision.
Can I use the Clinical Internship Program toward academic requirements for completing a master’s degree?
Yes, depending on the policy of the school. A number of students pursuing master’s degrees have been given credit for practicum requirements. People interested in this possibility should check with their school.
How much clinical experience will I gain?
Trainees in their first year begin seeing clients of Living Systems Counselling in January and typically develop a caseload of three to five appointments per week. Second-year trainees may develop a caseload of six to ten appointments per week. The opportunity to counsel clients depends on the availability of clients and the readiness of the intern to see clients as determined by the director of training.
What type of relationship does Living Systems Counselling have with The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Washington, D.C.?
The Bowen Center website lists Living Systems Counselling as one of eight locations with programs that meet their standards of a program. This includes being “directed by people who trained extensively at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family. In addition, who are in close contact with the most recent developments in Bowen theory and the science that informs theory.” Living Systems Counselling sponsors two conferences every year at which faculty from the Bowen Center present. Our recent Director of Training and Research trained directly with Dr. Bowen and is now the Director at the Bowen Center. This important connection will continue to strengthen the relationship between both organizations. Faculty and supervisors regularly attend conferences and events at the Bowen Center. Futhermore, our Executive Director trained at the Bowen Center and attends meetings sponsored by the Bowen Center in Washington, D.C.
As a trainee, how would I benefit from that relationship?
Trainees will learn from people who have trained extensively at the Bowen Center and who are in close contact with the most recent developments in the theory and the science that informs it. Trainees also have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the faculty at the Bowen Center at conferences sponsored by Living Systems Counselling. And the library of Living Systems Counselling contains videotapes and DVDs of presentations and conferences by Dr. Bowen and other experts in Bowen theory and therapy.
Who are the instructors of the program?
There are multiple faculty members that teach and providing individual and group supervision. This applies to the first year second year of the clinical internship program. Our faculty members have over ten years of experience in clinical work and or teaching. The primary instructor for the second year of the program is Katie White, the executive director of Living Systems. You can read more about the experience of our faculty here.
What types of people and professions have completed the clinical internship program?
The Program has included people working on their master’s degree and people already practicing in their fields. Professions represented in the Program have included clinical counsellors, marriage and family therapists, pastoral counsellors, a psychiatrist, and a social worker. Other professionals include pastors, educators, nurses, business executives, a lawyer, and human resource practitioners.
How many trainees are enrolled every year?
The number of students in the first year of the Clinical Internship Program can range from four to ten participants. The second year program is between four and eight. Finally, our continuing studies program has from four to seven. This structure provides for more individual development. The group supervision component of the program has a maximum of six participants per group.
