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An Introduction to 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.

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.

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.

Register on Eventbrite

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.

Resourses

 The book “Family Diagram and Family Research: An Illustrated Guide to Tools for Working on Differentiation of Self in One’s Family” by Victoria Harrison is required. Find it here.

We recommend reading the book Family Ties that Bind by Ron Richardson.  Find it here

Other resources are here

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