Mistakes Made Lessons Learned: Applying Bowen Theory to Family Business and Families of Wealth

Kathleen Wiseman, MBA

Friday, December 5, 2025 *Online via Zoom – #1 of the Clinical Conference Package 

This Clinical Conference provides an opportunity to listen and learn from two consultants' experience. One consultant founded and grew her own firm and the other has joined a well-established institution. Both have deep experience and knowledge of Bowen Theory as the theoretical foundation of their professional career.  

 What are the advantages of having a theoretical framework to guide one's professional interactions?  What have they learned over the years and how did mistakes provide valuable and impactful learning?  What questions remain? What situations have been the most challenging and what are the resources they use to continue their learning? 

The conference day provides a maximum of 2.75 hours of Category I continuing education credit for social workers and for counselors. Please note- a separate registration is required for CEs. Please read our CE policy for our Clinical Conference Series.

*Hybrid

In-Person Venue: The Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital: 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003.

OR Online via Zoom

How the Clinician Thinks

Daniel V. Papero, PhD, LCSW and Randall T. Frost, MDiv

The clinical process has often been called an art. While there is some truth to that assertion, it might actually be more accurate to call the process a science.  If the term science can be defined as a systematically organized body of knowledge on a particular subject, then the Bowen theory coach operates scientifically. Drawing upon their knowledge about how the family system operates, on information drawn from scientific research across a number of disciplines, and on the inductive and deductive reasoning of the scientific thinker, the coach becomes a scientist who applies knowledge derived from the processes of science to specific problems people encounter. This clinical conference will focus on how the clinician thinks and the science of coaching. 

Online via Zoom

Research in the Bowen Center Clinic

John Millikin, PhD, LMFT

Bowen Center Clinic has begun to use a structured framework as a guide to both the clinical process and training of coaches for research purposes. This conference will highlight beginning findings of the research process of clinical cases and explore questions such as the relationship between beginning evaluations and steps towards better functioning, the importance of tracking the coach’s functioning, and the function of if/then predictions. Other topics such as differences between non-research-oriented coaching and research coaching, and methodologies relevant to Bowen theory will be discussed.

*Hybrid

In-Person Venue: The Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital: 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003.

OR Online via Zoom

Solid Self and a Gay Man's Identity

Kent Webb, LCSW, PCC

This presentation and the clinical cases shown will identify and illustrate the process of a gay man’s identity formation. Specifically, the process will be viewed from evolutionary, ecological, and Bowen theory perspectives. A description of how one lives life with a gay identity that automatically is impacted by the concept of differentiation and the corresponding construct of solid self—pseudo-self formation is provided.

Online via Zoom

Differentiation of Self and Clergy Life

Jennifer Long, MDiv

What difference does work on differentiation of self make in the functioning of an individual or organization over time? Does that work impact a faith leader’s work in the faith community? Is differentiation of self the same in the family and faith community? Does the work on self in one area transfer or translate to the other? This conference will explore these questions in the life of one clergy member. It will look at the work of differentiation and the impact in two groups, family and congregation.

Online via Zoom

The Impact of Cutoff Across Generations

Anne McKnight, EdD, LCSW 

Cutoff, one of eight concepts in Bowen theory, addresses the management of tension in families through severing contact or maintaining superficial relationships. This day will explore several dimensions of cutoff in a power point presentation, including its impact across generations by limiting an individual’s access to resources, relationships, and information about the extended family.  Two individual’s efforts to work on differentiation through bridging cutoffs in their families will be discussed in videotaped interviews.

Online via Zoom

A Research Attitude in Clinical Practice

Laura Brooks, LCSW-C

What is a research attitude and what difference does it make to the client and the coach? This presentation will examine manifestations of a research attitude in a psychotherapeutic effort towards differentiation. Client interviews will highlight behavioral indicators of family of origin work and progress towards working on differentiation. 

*Hybrid

In-Person Venue: The Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital: 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003.

OR Online via Zoom

How the Clinician Thinks

Daniel V. Papero, PhD, LCSW and Randall T. Frost, MDiv

The clinical process has often been called an art. While there is some truth to that assertion, it might actually be more accurate to call the process a science.  If the term science can be defined as a systematically organized body of knowledge on a particular subject, then the Bowen theory coach operates scientifically. Drawing upon their knowledge about how the family system operates, on information drawn from scientific research across a number of disciplines, and on the inductive and deductive reasoning of the scientific thinker, the coach becomes a scientist who applies knowledge derived from the processes of science to specific problems people encounter. This clinical conference will focus on how the clinician thinks and the science of coaching. 

Presenter: Douglas C. Murphy, MA, LCMFT

Family of Origin Work: The myths, the facts and the real-lift story…

This writer’s recent research into Dr. Bowen’s archival papers revealed the importance that Dr. Bowen placed on one’s family of origin work. His own words about family of origin work from the archives will be presented to delve further into what Bowen meant by family of origin work. Individuals interpret Bowen’s concept family of origin work in many ways. Bowen would say you “hear” or interpret what the construct means based on your level of differentiation of self.  

Presenter: Randall T. Frost, MDiv

Faith and Functioning

Murray Bowen stated that his theory of family systems is based on facts and facts alone.  Can facts be observed in how faith functions among different families, individuals, and communities of faith?  What may Bowen theory contribute to those who seek to function according to the ideals of the best of their religious traditions? 

This meeting will build on the two-day conference that precedes it.  The conference will include videotaped interviews with people from two different families for whom both religious faith and Bowen theory have been important.   

Presenter: Jake Morrill, MDiv, MA

Clinically Deft": Play and Anxiety in a Coaching Session

Effective coaching can interrupt the client's self-sustaining and unproductive patterns of thought, as well as interrupting the automatic processes in the relationship. One approach to such interruption is the clinical use of strategic playfulness. Across species, social play functions in part to develop the capacity to countenance ambiguity, complexity, and uncertainty, and to manage one's own anxiety. This Clinical Conference will engage attendees in reflection on the potential, and risks, of the clinical use of play. 

Presenter: Robert J. Noone, PhD

Bowen theory Development and Psychology

Murray Bowen developed a new formal theory of the family and human behavior. The theory was based on his observations, experiments, and conceptualizations along with a survey of the scientific literature while he was at the Menninger Foundation, NIMH, and Georgetown University. His research went hand-in-glove with the practice of psychotherapy. In this clinical conference the effort to move toward science and a theory-based family systems psychotherapy will be discussed. A brief description of one of Bowen’s experiments will be included. 

Presenter: Amie Post, MS, LCMFT

Tango Through Transitions with the Thinking Bowen theory Provides

Life is full of transitions - from single to partnered, additions of new family members, losses of important relationships, changes in work and community. Conventional theory would consider the external stressors and invite taking time for self, connection with caring others and perhaps even cutting out the changes that are too much. Bowen theory helps us think beyond a one size fits all set of solutions. This clinical conference will consider the variation in response to life transition and explore how differentiation of self provides a way of thinking about how to navigate with increased flexibility and resiliency.  

Presenter: Daniel Papero, PhD

Triangle Theory in Family Psychotherapy

The process of family psychotherapy aims to assist a motivated family member shift functioning within a significant family triangle.  If that triangle can attain a higher level of differentiated functioning, the effects ripple through the entire family emotional system.  This clinical day will explore the theory of the triangle and its role in the clinical process. 

Presenter: Douglas C. Murphy, MA, LCMFT

Clients Engagement with Bowen Family Systems theory

Clients referred to clinicians who utilize Bowen Family Systems Theory as the basis for their theoretical approach encounter a way of thinking and proceeding in understanding and engaging their difficulties that is often unfamiliar to their conceptualizations of “psychotherapy” or “counseling.” This Clinical Conference will explore these encounters.

Presenter: Randall T. Frost, MDiv

Clinical Research Based on Bowen theory

Murray Bowen entitled the epilogue to Family Evaluation, "An Odyssey Toward Science". When discussing the integration of theory and therapy as part of the odyssey he wrote, "There was theoretical evidence that theory might someday become a real science. Therapists could help if they could find a way to govern their thinking in a scientific direction." (Family Evaluation, pg. 365)

This conference will demonstrate the use of a model of clinical research that may help clinicians "govern their thinking in a more scientific direction." The model is derived from the same methodology that Bowen used to develop the theory in tandem with family psychotherapy.

Presenter: Anne McKnight, EdD, LCSW

What Difference Does it Make in One’s Life to Work on Differentiation of Self?

Bowen theory posits that the effort for Differentiation of Self in one’s family has an impact both on one’s own life and the life of one’s family. Differentiation of Self is not an endpoint but a process toward more mature functioning. In this conference, individuals will be interviewed who have made significant efforts toward differentiation. These efforts include gaining perspective and knowledge through research on their families, understanding triangles, bridging cutoff, and the work to define themselves in important relationships.

Presenter: Priscilla J. Friesen, LICSW

Growing Older with Bowen theory

The aging process varies between different individuals and within families. Bowen theory suggests that individuals and families adapt to this natural life process based upon their level of interdependence. Working on differentiation of self, however, is a lifelong process.

This Clinical Conference will explore the opportunities present to define a self as people age and face life challenges. What are the challenges for individuals as they age? What are the challenges for the family? How do families benefit from the older individual defining a self?

The focus is on how defining a self, informed by Bowen theory guides the thinking, feeling and actions when facing challenges of aging.

Presenter: Victoria Harrison, MA, LMFT

What Changes in Bowen Family Systems Psychotherapy?

Ms. Harrison will talk with two clients who carefully documented changes in symptoms and functioning in the family while working on differentiation of self. Physiological reactions measured with biofeedback instruments, EEG and cortisol assay highlight interesting questions about evaluating the direction and outcome of therapy based in Bowen theory.

A digital copy of "Observations of Change While Working on Differentiation of Self: A Case Study based in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Therapy” will be provided all who register to attend this Clinical Conference.

Presenter: Daniel V. Papero, PhD

Fusion and Differentiation

In his writings, Murry Bowen uses the term fusion in at least two ways: 1. To refer to the blending or fusion of emotional and intellectual systems, and 2. To refer to the emotional fusion of people into a collective “oneness”. This clinical conference will explore the processes of fusion and the effort to “differentiate” oneself.

Presenter: Kent Webb, LCSW, PCC

Male Homosexuality and Differentiation of Self: Managing the Process and Associated Challenges

The process of Differentiation of Self will be described as it’s generally experienced by gay men. Important biological, social and familial variables are identified that influence the process. The components of Solid Self and Pseudo Self are a focus as they provide a lens for observing the development process of identifying and living life as a gay man. 5 stages of gay male development will be presented that reflect the processes of differentiation of self and related solid self-pseudo self-formation.

Presenter: Carrie E. Collier, PhD, LPC, CRC

Differentiation of Self: Living Bowen Theory.

What does engaging the family and maturing look like? The work on differentiation of self from one's family takes on different shapes over time. Learning how to recognize it and harness the best of differentiation of self portends preserving one’s mature self and is the key to aging successfully

Presenter: Kenton T. Derstine, MDiv, DMin

How does the effort of differentiation of self in one's family impact functioning in the workplace? In addition to exploring relevant theoretical elements two clinical interviews will be shown. These interviews will illustrate the interplay and the challenges of the effort of differentiation of self in one's family and in the workplace.

Presenter: Laura R. Brooks, LCSW-C

Multi-generational emotional process in the family unit

This presentation will describe how multi-generational emotional units operate in the human and other life forms. It will include an exploration of cross-fostering studies in epigenetic research and how it is reflected in family emotional process, including in adoptive families. Two interviews will highlight the benefits of viewing self in the context of the family as an emotional unit.

Presenter: Victoria Harrison, MA, LMFT

Anxiety and Adaptation in Nature and the Family

Anxiety, defined as “Emotional reactiveness to threat,” is a capacity that is necessary for survival and adaptation rather than a diagnosis to avoid. Theoretical discussion and audiotaped interviews with clients will illustrate how anxious reactions work for good and explore questions about the future of human adaptation in the face of threats in the natural and social environment.

Presenter: Daniel V. Papero, PhD, LCSW

The Science of the Human and Family Psychotherapy

Dr. Bowen worked to substitute factual knowledge about human functioning for the more subjective “clinical judgment” that tends to govern clinical activities. That led to a focus on theory, resting upon direct observations and functional facts, to guide the clinical activity. This clinical conference will be directed to the science of the human in family psychotherapy and the role of theory in clinical activities.

Presenter: Randall T. Frost, MDiv

This day will focus on the integration of theory and therapy by explicitly linking theoretical concepts of Bowen theory with the conduct of family psychotherapy. Two clinical families will be presented as examples of the way in which theory and therapy ideally proceed in tandem. Portions of a clinical interview with each family will be shown.

Presenter: Anne S. McKnight, EdD, LCSW

A cornerstone of Bowen theory is the concept of Differentiation of Self. DoS is an effort to define one’s life in a principled and thoughtful way while staying connected to family members and others who are important in one’s life. Although there is no blueprint for differentiation, there are specific efforts one can make in the process. These include: researching one’s family and increasing contact in the broader family system, working on objectivity and perspective toward members of the family, clarifying principles and defining self in triangles, bridging cutoffs, and increasing self-regulation in emotionally charged relationships. This day will explore the touchstones of the process with individuals who have been working on differentiation through a lecture and zoom recorded interviews.

What does Bowen family systems theory offer the modern family? The family vitality is motivated by emotions and fear about survival or challenges in relationships. A lot has changed since Bowen observed families at NIMH but the four adaptive mechanisms are still alive in the family emotional system. The family make-up might look like a modern family, but is it really all that different? How does one see the emotional patterns in the family and how useful is it to see this process in self and in others?

Speaker: Amie Post, MA, LCMFT

An exploration of the value of togetherness and a proposed way of thinking about determining when it’s useful and when it’s not.