Save the Date!

The 63rd Annual Symposium on Family Theory and Family Psychotherapy
November 6 - 7, 2026
Arlington, Virginia or Online

Each Symposium features both a Guest Lecturer and a full roster of presentations from members of the Bowen network who present and discuss their latest research. Ample time is allowed for audience questions and discussion. Continuing education credits will be available.

Distinguished Guest Lecturer: Dr. Scott F. Gilbert

Conference Information

Guest Lecturer Bio and Presentations | Conference Location | Conference Presentations | Continuing Education Credits | Bowen Theory Resources | Questions and Updates | Previous Conferences

Guest Lecturer

Dr. Scott F. Gilbert is the Howard A. Schneiderman Professor of Biology (emeritus) at Swarthmore College, where he has taught embryology and the history and critiques of biology. He is also a Finland Distinguished Professor (emeritus) at the University of Helsinki. He received his B.A. in both biology and religion from Wesleyan University, and he earned his MA in the history of science and his PhD in biology from the Johns Hopkins University. Scott’s biological research concerns how changes in embryonic development can generate evolutionary novelties. His research in the philosophy of biology concerns how scientifically false narratives still play major roles in the public perception of fertilization, development, and childbirth. Scott is the co-author of the textbooks Developmental Biology, Ecological Developmental Biology, and Evolution Evolving as well as Fear, Wonder, and Science in the Age of Reproductive Biotechnology, a trade-book concerning both the scientific and emotional aspects of reproductive biotechnology. Scott has received several awards for his work in evolutionary developmental biology, including a John Simon Guggenheim grant and the Kowalevsky Prize in Evolutionary Developmental Biology. He received the Burnhill Award from the American Reproductive Health Association in 2009. Learn more about Dr. Gilbert.

Dr. Gilbert’s Presentations

We Are Not Individuals: Holobiont Theory and the Importance of Microbiomes Determining “Who’ We Are" 
We are not the individuals whom we had thought we were. Rather, we are "holobionts," integrated collections of several species that help create our anatomical, physiological, and behavioral phenotypes. The human microbiome contains trillions of bacteria, archaea, and fungi in and on our bodies, and these organisms form integrated metabolic networks that help define who we are. Each organism therefore has numerous genomes, not merely the one created at fertilization. Microbes are crucial for normal development, both inside and outside the uterus. Moreover, our reproduction is scaffolded by microbes. Gut microbes in pregnant mice generate immune cells that migrate from the gut to the uterus and suppress the immune response that would otherwise kill the fetus. Mother's milk has nutrients for promoting the propagation of those bacteria that are needed for normal development. The microbiome also helps build the immune system, redefining what is considered "self." Recent research has also shown that many behaviors are also scaffolded by the microbiome.  Signaling from the gut microbiota to the brain occurs though neural, endocrine, and immune connections. Studies with experimental animals provide evidence that the numbers and types of symbiotic bacteria may be critical in allowing certain modes of behavior.  

 Myths of Reproduction: How Violent and Competitive Stories About Fertilization, Development, and Childbirth Are Propagated as Science 
Three false ideas about reproduction are being propagated as science. The first is that fertilization is a trial of masculine prowess. Fertilization is seen as a race of sperm through a passive female reproductive tract, followed by the active victorious sperm penetrating the passive egg. This is a version of the Myth of the Hero, and it has little to do with science. Reproductive biology sees the sperm and egg as immature cells that mutually activate and mature one another. Moreover, the female reproductive tract capacitates the sperm, maturing its cell membrane, and is an active agent in fertilization. Then, rather than penetrating the mammalian egg, the sperm "spoons" with the egg, allowing the egg cell membrane to surround the sperm and fuse with it. Thus, the two cells become one. Second, embryonic development also involves the mutual maturation of adjacent cells. Embryonic cells can direct which genes are expressed in neighboring cells. In such manner, complex organs can be formed. Development is not a direct read-out of the genome formed at fertilization. Third, childbirth is not a mere muscular repositioning of the fetus. The first breath activates gene expression in the heart, lungs, and brain, converting the fetus from an aquatic organism dependent on the placenta to a terrestrial baby dependent on its lungs.  

Conference Presentations

This year, presenters submitted abstracts for one of three formats. The final schedule will include presentations and posters from these options.

  • A 20–30 minute presentation: A substantive presentation exploring a theoretical, clinical, research, organizational, educational, or interdisciplinary question relevant to Bowen family systems theory, followed by brief discussion.

  • A 5–7 minute presentation: A concise presentation highlighting a focused idea, observation, case example, research question, or emerging line of inquiry relevant to Bowen theory.

  • A Poster: A visual presentation of research, theory, clinical work, organizational application, or interdisciplinary inquiry designed to foster informal conversation and discussion with attendees.

Read the full call for abstracts letter to learn more.

Call for Abstracts Letter

Location

Fuse Center in Mason Square, George Mason University, 3351 Fairfax Drive, Arlington VA 222

Mason Square Getting There | Campus Ammenities

 
 

Questions and Updates

Contact us for questions. You may also subscribe to our newsletter for conference updates.

Continuing Education Credit Information

This two-day conference provides a total of __ (CEs will be available with the schedule) Category 1 continuing education (CE) credit hours for counseling or social work. **Purchase of CE’s indicates you’ve read and accepted the CE requirements below.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CE ELIGIBILITY: 

  • Pay the CE fee of $30 at time of registration. Be sure to choose “Add On” when purchasing your ticket on Eventbrite. CEs are not sold the day of the conference.

  • Attend each live streamed or in-person class in its entirety. The CE coordinator will note your attendance. We do not offer partial credits for partial attendance.

  • If livestreamed, enable video and show your name on screen so that you are visible throughout the entirety of the conference, except during designated breaks or lunch.  

  • Submit a completed evaluation no more than 60 days after the event. Shortly after the submission of your completed evaluation, you will be emailed a certificate.  

POLICIES:

  • The Bowen Center does not offer refunds for CEs.

  • We are unable to offer CE credit for viewing any recordings.

  • We do not offer partial CE credit for partial event attendance.

  • It is the sole responsibility of the participant to verify their state’s professional licensure criteria for CE qualifications.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

  • Invite experienced Bowen thinkers from around the US and internationally to present their application of Bowen theory to clinical, research, and theory applications. 

  • Invite a scientist to speak as a Distinguished Guest Lecturer to present latest research that has an interplay with Bowen theory. 

  • Generate lively discussion on the presentations with the goal of provoking new learning and connections in the application of Bowen theory. 

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center is authorized by the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners to provide continuing education credit. This program is a Category I offering.  

The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6225. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family/Georgetown Family Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. 

If you have any questions about Continuing Education, please email ContinuingEducation@thebowencenter.org

ACEP No. 6225

Bowen Theory Resources

The Center offers a variety of resources to explore Bowen theory.

Publications: Books on Bowen theory published by the Bowen Center and other publishers. The Center’s latest book is Thinking Systems.

Family Systems Journal: Learn about our twice-yearly peer reviewed journal and view current, upcoming, and back issues.

Media: Visit our video page for links to The Basic-Series and the Bowen-Kerr Interviews, special topics recordings, previous conference recordings, and our YouTube Channel, which includes recordings of the Professional Lecture Series.

Previous Symposiums