Conferences

The Bowen Center offers a wide variety of conferences and lectures. Conferences feature guest lecturers and leaders in the study of family systems. Lively discussion, including attendee participation, are features of Bowen Center conferences. To learn more about current topics for each conference, use the links below. For the latest program news and registration information, please sign up for our email newsletter.

Info: Conferences are currently held either online or in hybrid format, with both in-person and virtual options available. CEU/CEs for counselors and social workers are available for most conferences, Details, including CEU/CE requirements, are provided on each conference page. Conference materials such as presentation slides are distributed within a week of the conference to attendees.

Questions: Please contact Emma Voorhes, Conference Coordinator, for more information.

The Annual Symposium brings together the liveliest minds in the Bowen network to present their thinking on topics related to the application of Bowen theory. The Symposium also features a Guest Lecturer, whose scientific research is relevant to Bowen theory.


The Spring Conference focuses on a single concept related to Bowen theory. Guest scientists, researchers, and leaders in the study of family systems offer presentations related to the topic during this two-day conference. View this year’s Spring Conference brochure.


The monthly Clinical Conferences combine Bowen Center faculty presentations with videotaped clinical interviews. This conference series offers stimulating clinical learning opportunities for those interested in better understanding Bowen theory’s application to the family.

The Bowen Center’s Fall Fundamentals Conference provides background on family systems thinking related to a topic of current interest to therapists in clinical practice.

The annual Faith Leadership Conference explores the challenges and possibilities faced by leaders of faith communities. Each year the conference has a specific focus and includes presentations on Bowen theory, case studies, and discussion.

This day consists of presentations and discussions of ethical issues viewed from the perspective of a family systems model. The seminar is designed to support the participant’s ability to think ethically about programmatic and clinical situations from a systems point of view.

The Professional Lectures are free and open to the public. They feature historians, scientists, and clinicians addressing a variety of topics.

These conferences, which draw Bowen thinkers from around the world, have become rich opportunities to explore and extend theory. They allow attendees to engage with people with varied experiences and have served as outreach to programs and individuals in areas previously underserved by Bowen theory.