Clinical Internship in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Therapy
Year One
Murray Bowen, MD, was one of the first persons to “think (natural) systems” about the human family. He is widely recognized as an originator of family systems theory and family therapy. The Clinical Internship Program is designed to provide a thorough introduction to Bowen theory, which provides the foundation for all the counselling, education and research conducted by Living Systems.
Format
The group meets online weekly, for four hours each week, from late September through mid-June. Trainees ordinarily start an internship with Living Systems in December. Adequate fluency is required if the trainee expects to counsel English-speaking families.
Learning Objectives
- To provide 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, in clinical work and, when applicable, in the workplace
- To relate Bowen Theory to knowledge from the natural sciences and to theological understanding
- To introduce trainees to systems research
Tuition
The tuition for the first year Clinical Internship Program is $2,000. There is a non-refundable application fee of $120.
The training program is a one or two-year part-time training program. Training enables participants to learn how to use family systems theory in their work with individuals, couples and families. The program contributes to students becoming competent marriage and family therapists, clinical counsellors, school counsellors, pastoral counsellors and social workers.
This program has been approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training. Please note: we are waiting for final approval on some program changes. The program began in 1984 and has developed a reputation within the community for providing a quality training option for clinicians and other professionals.
Clinical Internship in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Therapy
Year Two
Format
In the second year, the group meets online once a month with additional time scheduled for group supervision.
Learning Objectives
- deepen the understanding of Bowen Theory, gain further clarity in defining the concepts of Bowen Theory,
- gain further understanding of how Bowen theory is supported in current research
- advance thinking about the clinical application of Bowen Theory and application in one’s own family
- gain further clinical experience under supervision.
Tuition
The tuition for the second year is $2,850. Second-year trainees are paid $25 per client hour.
Practicum Hours for Accreditation
Trainees may use clinical hours and supervision time toward accreditation by such groups as the BCACC, CAMFT and CCPA. Trainees in Master’s programs often can use the training program toward fulfilling the requirements for their degree. For an hourly breakdown of the first- and second-year program, please refer to the Program Outline. The program contributes to students becoming competent marriage and family therapists, clinical counsellors, school counsellors, pastoral counsellors, social workers, and human resource managers and is useful for people in law, business, education, and psychiatry. The program has included trainees from all of these professions.
