Elevator Systems Podcast
Bowen Family Systems Theory in Brief for a Life of Learning
Who is Murray Bowen, and what is Bowen Family Systems Theory?
This pre-season episode tells who we are and what to expect in the podcast this season. Brief introductions to Murray Bowen and Bowen family systems theory through 30 second elevator pitches will be given and why our hosts think Bowen family system theory is worth thinking about.
Resources:
Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice: https://tinyurl.com/5yhxmna9
Catherine Rakow, Making Sense of Human Life: https://tinyurl.com/5ez865w9
Murray Bowen Archives: https://murraybowenarchives.org/
Dr. Michael Kerr, Bowen Theory Secrets: https://shorturl.at/a0Y9k
Elevator Systems is a podcast that looks at ideas and concepts from Bowen family systems theory in clear and understandable ways. In each episode, three Bowen-thinkers will discuss ideas from the theory beginning with their 30-second elevator pitch. Real-life examples will illustrate the topic, along with a discussion of what is useful, and takeaways and resources for further thinking. For people with zero to decades of experience with Bowen’s theory, these 30-minute segments are designed for easy and engaging listening, with the hope that listeners will take their thoughts, questions, and curiosity into their relationships.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast is general information about Bowen family systems theory and is not considered the practice of counselling or therapy. The information presented are the views of the people who say them. Any information used from this podcast is used at your own risk.
Your podcast hosts
Dixie Vandersluys is the creator and host of Elevator Systems and is a Canadian Certified Counsellor. She currently lives in Manitoba, Canada where she has an online private practice and enjoys pursuing further education, including three years of post-graduate training with Living Systems. Dixie is a new member of the faculty of Living Systems.
Katie White is a couple and family therapist who has been working clinically for over 20 years in the US, Australia and now in Vancouver, Canada. She has been studying and using Bowen Theory in her work and family life for 12 years. She is the Executive Director of Living Systems, where she also teaches and supervises trainees, as well as having a private practice for individuals, couples and families.
S1 Ep1 – Systems Thinking with Dave Galloway
This podcast episode looks at the idea of systems thinking, a central topic of Bowen family systems theory. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of this idea, along with examples, what they find important about the idea, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.
Dave Galloway has been studying Bowen Theory for over 20 years. He has spoken at conferences, is an instructor, and writes on systems thinking. He is certified as Family Enterprise Advisor and Clear Leadership trainer. Having worked in the software industry for decades in leadership roles he has seen the impact of emotional functioning in work systems. Dave lives in Vancouver, BC and is on the faculty of Living Systems.
Resources:
Kathleen Smith’s newsletter, “When You’re Too Close to the Problem: https://theanxiousoverachiever.substack.com/p/when-youre-too-close-to-the-problem
Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice: https://tinyurl.com/5yhxmna9
Questions for continued thinking:
What are 5 or 10 other explanations you could make up for what’s happening here? If your parent/partner/kid were in the room, what would they have to say about this?
S1Ep2 – Togetherness with Dr. Kathleen Smith
This podcast episode looks at the idea of togetherness, a way Bowen family systems theory describes how people operate in relation to the group. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of this idea, along with examples, what they find important about the idea, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.
Dr. Kathleen Smith is a licensed therapist and writer who lives in Washington, DC. Her books include Everything Isn’t Terrible and True to You: A Therapist’s Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself. She is an associate faculty member at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and author of the popular newsletter, The Anxious Overachiever.
Resources:
Ashley Ward, The Social Life of Animals: https://tinyurl.com/y75n3vnz
Cacioppo & Patrick – Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection.
Podcast – How Family Dynamics Play Out At Work: Morra Aarons-Mele. The Anxious Achiever. Nov 8, 2021.
Kathleen Smith’s newsletter: https://theanxiousoverachiever.substack.com/
Kathleen Smith, Everything Isn’t Terrible: https://shorturl.at/uxl9l
Kathleen Smith, True To You: https://shorturl.at/5qyUT
Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice: https://tinyurl.com/5yhxmna9
S1 Ep3 – Systems Thinking with Dave Galloway
This podcast episode looks at the idea of systems thinking, a central topic of Bowen family systems theory. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of this idea, along with examples, what they find important about the idea, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.
Dave Galloway has been studying Bowen Theory for over 20 years. He has spoken at conferences, is an instructor, and writes on systems thinking. He is certified as Family Enterprise Advisor and Clear Leadership trainer. Having worked in the software industry for decades in leadership roles he has seen the impact of emotional functioning in work systems. Dave lives in Vancouver, BC and is on the faculty of Living Systems.
Resources:
Kathleen Smith’s newsletter, “When You’re Too Close to the Problem: https://theanxiousoverachiever.substack.com/p/when-youre-too-close-to-the-problem
Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice: https://tinyurl.com/5yhxmna9
Questions for continued thinking:
What are 5 or 10 other explanations you could make up for what’s happening here? If your parent/partner/kid were in the room, what would they have to say about this?
The show is coming Sept 23rd…
S1Ep4 Relationship patterns (Conflict) with Dr. Kathleen Smith
This podcast episode examines the four relationship patterns described in Bowen family systems theory,
focusing especially on the pattern of conflict. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of this idea,
along with examples, what they find important about it, and takeaway resources and ideas for
further thinking.
Dr. Kathleen Smith is a licensed therapist and writer who lives in Washington, DC. Her books include
Everything Isn’t Terrible and True to You: A Therapist’s Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being
Yourself. She is an associate faculty member at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and
author of the popular newsletter, The Anxious Overachiever.
Resources:
Kathleen Smith newsletter, “Let’s Play Family Anxiety Bingo”
https://theanxiousoverachiever.substack.com/p/this-thanksgiving-lets-play-family
– bee species suppression reproduction around conflict
Dr. Michael Kerr, Family Evaluation: https://shorturl.at/QBpEu
Dr. Michael Kerr, Bowen Theory Secrets: https://shorturl.at/a0Y9k
Kathleen Smith, Everything Isn’t Terrible: https://shorturl.at/uxl9l
Kathleen Smith, True To You: https://shorturl.at/5qyUT
Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice: https://tinyurl.com/5yhxmna9
S1Ep2 – Togetherness with Dr. Kathleen Smith
This podcast episode looks at the idea of togetherness, a way Bowen family systems theory describes how people operate in relation to the group. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of this idea, along with examples, what they find important about the idea, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.
Dr. Kathleen Smith is a licensed therapist and writer who lives in Washington, DC. Her books include Everything Isn’t Terrible and True to You: A Therapist’s Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself. She is an associate faculty member at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and author of the popular newsletter, The Anxious Overachiever.
Resources:
Ashley Ward, The Social Life of Animals: https://tinyurl.com/y75n3vnz
Cacioppo & Patrick – Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection.
Podcast – How Family Dynamics Play Out At Work: Morra Aarons-Mele. The Anxious Achiever. Nov 8, 2021.
Kathleen Smith’s newsletter: https://theanxiousoverachiever.substack.com/
Kathleen Smith, Everything Isn’t Terrible: https://shorturl.at/uxl9l
Kathleen Smith, True To You: https://shorturl.at/5qyUT
Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice: https://tinyurl.com/5yhxmna9
S1Ep2 – Togetherness with Dr. Kathleen Smith
This podcast episode looks at the idea of togetherness, a way Bowen family systems theory describes how people operate in relation to the group. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of this idea, along with examples, what they find important about the idea, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.
Dr. Kathleen Smith is a licensed therapist and writer who lives in Washington, DC. Her books include Everything Isn’t Terrible and True to You: A Therapist’s Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself. She is an associate faculty member at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and author of the popular newsletter, The Anxious Overachiever.
Resources:
Ashley Ward, The Social Life of Animals: https://tinyurl.com/y75n3vnz
Cacioppo & Patrick – Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection.
Podcast – How Family Dynamics Play Out At Work: Morra Aarons-Mele. The Anxious Achiever. Nov 8, 2021.
Kathleen Smith’s newsletter: https://theanxiousoverachiever.substack.com/
Kathleen Smith, Everything Isn’t Terrible: https://shorturl.at/uxl9l
Kathleen Smith, True To You: https://shorturl.at/5qyUT
Dr. Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice: https://tinyurl.com/5yhxmna9
