These Podcasts
are for everyone.
Elevator Systems is a podcast that explores Bowen family systems theory in clear and practical ways. Each 30-minute episode features three Bowen-thinkers sharing their 30-second elevator pitch, real-life examples, useful insights, and resources for further exploration.
Whether you’re new to Bowen’s ideas or have decades of experience, this podcast offers engaging discussions to inspire curiosity and deepen understanding in your relationships.
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Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information about Bowen family systems theory and is not intended as counseling or therapy. The views expressed are those of the speakers, and any use of the information is at your own risk.
Your podcast hosts
Dixie Vandersluys
Dixie Vandersluys is the creator and host of Elevator Systems and a Canadian Certified Counsellor. Based in Manitoba, Canada, she operates an online private practice while continuing her professional education, including three years of post-graduate training with Living Systems. Recently, Dixie joined the faculty of Living Systems Counselling and Training.
Katie White
Katie White is a couple and family therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience across the United States, Australia, and now Vancouver, Canada. For the past 12 years, she has incorporated Bowen Theory into both her professional practice and personal life. Katie serves as the Executive Director of Living Systems, where she also teaches, supervises trainees, and maintains a private practice working with individuals, couples, and families.
Season Two Episodes
The Eight Concepts of
Bowen Family Systems Theory
Season 2: Pre-Season Episode
This pre-season episode introduces the eight concepts of Bowen family systems theory, the focus of season two. Each episode will include a brief overview, examples, practical applications, and resources to deepen understanding of the concepts developed by Dr. Bowen from his study of human behavior.
Resources
- Dr. Bowen “Chalk Talks”: here.
- Bowen Center and Living Systems descriptions of 8 concepts: Bowen Theory
- Bowen Theory Resources are here: Bowen Theory Intro
- Amie Post Differentiation episode: here.
Inside & Outside Positions
with Kathleen Cotter Cauley
Season 2: Episode 1
This episode revisits the concept of triangles in Bowen family systems theory, focusing on the dynamics of inside and outside positions within relationship triangles. Guests provide brief overviews, examples, practical insights, and resources for further exploration.
Kathleen Cotter Cauley, a licensed marriage and family therapist with practices in Virginia and Florida, has been a Bowen Center faculty member since 2012. She co-founded the Florida Family Research Network, taught leadership seminars, served on Catholic Church review boards for abuse scandals, and worked with guide dogs for over 30 years. She is married, a stepmother, and a grandmother to three.
Resources
- S1Ep6 Triangles episode with Dr. Jenny Brown: here.
- Kathleen Cotter Cauley’s chapter on stepfamilies in Peter Titelman, Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives: here.
- Dr. Daniel Papero article in Family Systems Journal Vol. 19.1, “A Review of Triangle Theory”: here.
- Kathleen Cotter Cauley, Family Matters episode on Young Adults Leaving Home: here.
- Kathleen Smith The Anxious Overachiever triangle articles: here.
Coming Jan 14th, 2025
Nuclear Family Emotional System
with Amie Post
Season 2: Episode 2
This episode examines the nuclear family emotional system in Bowen theory, focusing on family patterns from a systems perspective. Guests share brief insights, examples, and resources for further exploration.
Amie Post, based in Baltimore, MD, is a marriage and family therapist with extensive experience in leadership and practice. She serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Family Systems Theory of Western New York and previously held the role of Executive Director at the Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County. A dedicated student of Bowen Theory since 2001, Amie is a faculty member and board director at the Bowen Center in Washington, DC.
Resources
- Family Evaluation, Kerr & Bowen: here.
- Season 1, four relationship patterns/mechanisms episodes: here.
(see – S1Ep4: Conflict, S1Ep5: Distance, S1Ep6: Triangles, S1Ep7: Over/Under-Functioning) - Victoria Harrison and phylogenetic lineage: here.
- October 17-18, 2025 Living Systems hybrid conference with Amie Post
Information will be posted when available here.
Coming Jan 21, 2025
Family Projection Process
with Dr. Walter Smith Jr.
Season 2: Episode 3
This podcast episode looks at the family projection process in Bowen family systems theory. Each guest will give a brief elevator pitch of the concept, along with examples, what they find useful, and takeaway resources and ideas for further thinking.
Dr. Walter Smith Jr., a licensed psychologist, is a retired Deputy Director at Allegheny County Dept of Human Services and former Executive Director of Family Resources. He is Chair of the Board of Trustees for Casey Family Programs, focused on improving and preventing the need for foster care. Trained in Bowen theory at Georgetown Family Center, his career centers on family violence and child abuse from a systems perspective.
Resources
- Dr. Bowen “Chalk Talks”: here.
- Parent Hope Project & podcast: here.
- Philip Klever, “The Sensitivities of Marriage” article, Family Systems Forum, No. 3 Fall 2006: here.
- Dr. Michael Kerr, One Family’s Story: A Primer on Bowen Theory: here.
Kathleen Smith, The Anxious Overachiever article, “Where is all your energy going?”: here.
