Pre-Season Episode:

Mild/Medium/Hot Topics

Season 4: Preseason Episode

Welcome to Season 4 of Elevator Systems!
Welcome to the Season 4 kickoff of Elevator Systems! In this episode, Dixie Vandersluys and Katie White share a sneak peek into the themes and topics being explored this season: the tough conversations and topics we often avoid! Join us as we dive into what makes a topic ‘hot’, how to engage more thoughtfully, and how Bowen family systems theory is helpful when tensions rise. Whether you’re familiar with Bowen theory or new to these ideas, this season promises lots of ideas and engaging discussion on managing differences in relationships.

Mental Health

with Dr. Samantha Stokesberry

Season 4: Episode 2 (March 17)

Today’s episode explores the application of Bowen family systems theory in understanding mental health. Dr. Sam Stokesberry is our guest looking at the importance of viewing mental health through a systems lens, the role of the counsellor in navigating their own emotional processes while supporting clients, and the significance of differentiation of self in therapy. The discussion highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of mental health that considers the interplay of individual and systemic factors.

Samantha Stokesberry, PhD, LPC, NCC is a licensed professional counsellor, consultant, speaker, and PhD candidate who grounds her professional work in Bowen Family Systems Theory. Her professional path was shaped by four years living in South Africa, where playing professional soccer and coaching at a futsal academy led her into nonprofit work and her first real world exposure to the human trafficking industry. These experiences played a role in her pursuit of a career in the mental health field and her desire to learn more about the dynamics of human trafficking. Today, she provides counselling to individuals and families in Texas and offers consultation and training services internationally. Sam specializes in working with trafficking survivors and their families, as well as families impacted by incest, sexual abuse, and chronic anxiety. Sam has also trained at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in both the Continuing Studies program and the Postgraduate Program and her doctoral research, which will be published this upcoming year, examines the relationships between differentiation of self, family unit functioning, and post-traumatic growth in adult female survivors of trafficking in the United States.

Artificial Intelligence

with Dr. Patrick Stinson

Season 4: Episdoe 3 (March 31)

In our latest podcast, we explore how Bowen family systems theory is useful in navigating the world of artificial intelligence and how artificial intelligence may inform Bowen theory. In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, understanding how we relate to technology is more important than ever. How does one go from jumping in the deep end or panicked avoidance to thoughtful engagement?

Dr. Patrick Stinson, Psy.D. combines 25 years as a software architect with clinical training in family systems. He is a Doctor of Psychology who studied at the California Institute of Integral Studies and has done pre and post-doctoral internships at The Bowen Center in Washington, DC. Patrick founded Alaska Family Systems, developed the Family Diagram App, and is currently an AI Engineer/Architect at Micron Technology. His 2020 dissertation on problems in psychological science provides the intellectual foundation for this work

Special Episode: What is a Relationship System?

with Lois Walker and Ron Richardson

This special podcast episode was recorded live at the Living Systems Annual General Meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, in May 2025. It addresses the question of what is a relationship system. There is a focus on what Bowen family systems theory describes as an “emotional system”.

Lois Walker started observing diversity among families as a young graduate nurse. She became interested in the spiritual needs of individuals and families in cancer care and palliative care. For 35 years, Lois has continued to study Bowen theory as well as teach and provide clinical supervision in the training program at Living Systems.

Dr. Ronald Richardson graduated from UCLA, Princeton Seminary, and the Rochester/Colgate Divinity School. He worked as a pastor before becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist and Pastoral Counsellor. He was the former Executive Director of Living Systems and retired in 1995. Ron is the author of many books on the application of Bowen family systems theory to organizations and relationships.