New podcast episodes every other Tuesday starting March 3, 2026!
These Podcasts
are for everyone.
Elevator Systems is a podcast that explores Bowen family systems theory in clear and practical ways. The 30-minute episodes feature 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 that inspire curiosity and deepen your understanding of 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 Four Episodes
VIEW SEASON ONE VIEW SEASON TWO VIEW SEASON THREE
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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.
Resources
- The Bowen Centre Professional Lecture Series
- Use the links on this page to see Season 1, 2. and 3!
- What to speak with a counsellor? Click here
Coming March 3, 2026
Polarization
with Dr Barbara Laymon
Season 4: Episode 1
(March 3)
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.
Resources
Murray Bowen: Family Therapy in Clinical Practice
Michael E. Kerr & Murray Bowen: Family Evaluation
Michael E. Kerr: Bowen Theory’s Secrets
Anne S. McKnight: Thinking Systems
John F. Butler chapter in: The Family Emotional System (Noone & Papero)
Roberta Gilbert: The Eight Concepts of Bowen Theory
Roberta Gilbert: Extraordinary Relationships
Check out Amazon under “Ronald W. Richardson”
Be sure to check out our Seasons One, Two, and Three
There more informative episodes with engaging speakers in each season!
VIEW SEASON ONE VIEW SEASON TWO VIEW SEASON THREE
Please support the podcast, buy us a “coffee!”:
