Elevator Systems is a Bowen family systems 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 Counselling and Training.
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.
S2 PreSeason Episode – The Eight Concepts of Bowen Family Systems Theory
This pre-season episode gives an introduction to the eight concepts of Bowen family systems theory which will be the focus of season two. Each episode will involve an elevator pitch, examples, usefulness, and resources and questions for further thinking on each of the eight concepts which Dr. Bowen developed from his observations of human functioning.
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.
S2 Ep1 Triangles: Inside & Outside Positions with Kathleen Cotter Cauley
This episode revisits the concept of triangles in Bowen family systems theory. It focuses on what it means to be on the inside or outside positions in relationship triangles. 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.
Kathleen Cotter Cauley is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has a private practice in both Virginia and Florida. She’s been a faculty member of the Bowen Center since 2012. Kathleen was involved in founding the Florida Family Research Network and has been on the faculty of Extraordinary Leadership and Systems Leadership seminars. Kathleen has been on review boards dealing with sex abuse scandals in the Catholic Church. She has also worked with guide dogs for over thirty years. Kathleen has been married for forty years, is a stepmom, and a grandma 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
S2 Ep2 Nuclear Family Emotional System with Amie Post
This episode discusses the Bowen family systems theory concept of the nuclear family emotional system, and what it means to look at the family and its processes and patterns from a systems perspective. 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.
Amie Post lives in Baltimore MD and is a marriage and family therapist. She is Executive Director of the Center for Family Systems Theory of Western New York and previously was Executive Director at the Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County. She’s been studying Bowen theory since the turn of the century (2001) and is a member of the faculty and on the board of directors 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
S2 Ep3 Family Projection Process with Dr. Walter Smith Jr.
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. is a licensed psychologist, a retired Deputy Director and Clinical Director at the Allegheny County Dept of Human Services. He was a clinical director and then Executive Director of Family Resources. He is currently a board member of the Pittsburgh Foundation and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Casey Family Programs foundation. Their whose mission is to provide, improve, and ultimately prevent the need for foster care. Walter attended post graduate training in Bowen theory at the Georgetown Family Center in the early 1980s. His career has focused on understanding 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.
