An Introduction to Family of Origin Work
Family of origin work
Winter /Spring 2025
Overview
This short course provides a “hand’s on” way to learn about Bowen family systems theory by utilizing the participants’ own three-generational family diagram as a tool for observing and thinking differently about the facts, key events, and functioning of family members over several generations.
Participants will begin to recognize patterns of reactivity and adaptation that govern their own and other family members’ lives and relationships.
Family of Origin Course Details
This introductory family of origin course is for people motivated to develop and use their family diagram as part of the process of differentiation of self. The family diagram is a useful tool for getting systems perspective of one’s family.
Bi-weekly Format: Six Thursdays for two hours
Dates: Thursday, Jan 30, Feb 13, March 13, April 10 and 24, May 8, 2025.
Times: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. PST
Location: Online using Zoom
Fee: $250
About the Instructor
Leila Howard
MA, RCC
Clinical Counsellor and
Business and Finance Director
Leila has been studying and applying Bowen Family Systems Theory and Therapy to her own life for 17 years and in her clinical work for 12 years.
Leila is a Registered Clinical Counselor and the Business and finance Director with Living Systems Counselling. In addition, she has taught short courses in Bowen Family Systems theory over the years and has a background in Human Resource Management.
Who is this course for
This educational course is for mental health professionals and the general public.
Learning Objectives
The purpose of this educational course is to provide opportunities for group members to expand their thinking on applying Bowen Family Systems theory to their own lives.
Registration
The fee is $250. This is a small group format, and space is limited.
For inquiries, please email leila.howard@livingsystems.ca
Refunds
A refund is available before January 23, 2025, minus a $30 Eventbrite/admin fee. There is a 50% refund after Jan. 23rd and no refund after January 30, 2025, unless for an emergency, as determined by Living Systems.
Group Structure
There will be a brief review of the eight interlocking concepts during the first two classes, and a family of origin framework will be provided. As an example, the instructor will present her family of origin efforts. In the remaining classes, two participants will present their family diagrams and receive research questions and observations from the instructor and other participants. Please keep in mind that this is an introductory course.
Requirements
Participants will have approximately six hours of experience with Bowen Family Systems theory, for example, through a course, reading, personal experience, or a combination of both. See the resources required below.
Each participant will be asked to sign a participant agreement outlining protocols for working together, including confidentiality.
