A Research Study Group Based on Bowen Theory

Applications for the 2026–2027 program year are NOW open.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS JULY 15, 2026.

2026-2027 Application

This program is held online.

Murray Bowen used a distinctive, back-and-forth method of clinical research to test existing theories about schizophrenia with clinical experiments at the Menninger Foundation and NIMH. Growing out of his clinical observations and process of testing hypotheses, he eventually went on to develop a different theory by formulating concepts from factual observations of variation in how families’ function under changing conditions and then testing the accuracy of the concepts with further observations and clinical experiments. He wrote:

When research observations were not consistent with the hypothesis, the hypothesis was modified to fit the new facts, the psychotherapy was modified to fit the hypothesis, and new predictions were made about the results of the psychotherapy. (FTCP 470)

The same process Bowen used to develop the theory can be used to test and to further develop the theory. Randy Frost, with contributions by John Millikin, has developed a method of clinical research based on Bowen’s approach that can be used to structure clinical research in family psychotherapy, work toward differentiation in one’s own family, and in coaching leaders of organizations. Other research methodologies to test hypotheses derived from Bowen Theory can be employed as well.

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2026-2027 participant page- pending

Program Description & Objectives

Participants will engage in a disciplined research process involving systematic observation of emotional functioning, ongoing hypothesis testing and revision, and modification of one’s own functioning within relationship systems. During the program, participants will 1) deepen their ability to think systems about clinical research 2) learn to use a framework for conducting clinical research, 3) contribute to a growing body of research literature based on Bowen theory. The program is conducted virtually. The research study group will be limited to 3-10 participants.

Eligibility

Enrollment in the second year of the Postgraduate Program (PGP) or Continuing Studies, or
Completion of at least two years of Continuing Studies, the Postgraduate Program, or an equivalent Bowen network program
A strong interest in conducting systems research based on Bowen theory
An interview with the head of the research study group
Approval of the program head

Application & Fees

Registration is now open through July 15, 2026. Click here to apply.

The application process includes a completed application form and an interview with the program head, Dr. Anne McKnight.

Tuition for the 2026–2027 Research Study Group is $500. Accepted participants will be contacted regarding payment upon enrollment into the program.

Format & Requirements

One two-hour virtual meeting per month
Up to 3 hours of consultation on individual research projects throughout the year
Assigned readings
Discussion of readings and participants’ research

Assessment & Completion

Completion of all applicable PGP and Continuing Studies requirements (if enrolled)

Submission of a final paper by May 24, 2027 documenting:

The research design and methodology
Observations and hypothesis modifications over time
Research outcomes and learning

Dates for 2026 - 2027

Two hours once a month from 10 am to noon ET.

September 28, 2026
October 19, 2026
November 23, 2026
December 14, 2026
January 25, 2027
February 22, 2027
March 22, 2027
April 19, 2027
May 24, 2027

Program Head

Randall T. Frost, MDiv. is a former director of the Bowen Center. Previously (since 1991), he had been Executive Director and then Director of Training and Research at Living Systems—a Vancouver, British Columbia based pastoral counseling center that uses Bowen theory as its primary approach to clinical counseling, training, education and research. At Living Systems he initiated biannual conferences with experts in Bowen theory and leading scientists.

Mr. Frost is a long-time student of Bowen theory. He was a trainee in the in-town (1975-76) and special postgraduate programs (1980-81), He became a faculty member at the Bowen Center in January 2015 and has led the Network Seminar program of the Bowen Center since 2012. He is the author of published articles and book chapters on Bowen theory, including articles in the Center’s journal, Family Systems, and has presented numerous papers at professional meetings and conferences over the past thirty years. Mr. Frost is an ordained Presbyterian minister (Presbyterian Church USA) and was an Assistant Professor of Pastoral Studies at St. Meinrad School of Theology in Southern Indiana (1978-91). He is happily married with two adult children and five grandchildren.

Questions

Please contact Randy Frost for questions regarding the program. For administrative questions, please contact Cory Freeman, Learning & Development Coordinator, at cfreeman@thebowencenter.org.