Additional Resources and Readings

  • Bowen, Murray, M.D., Family Therapy in Clinical Practice, Jason Aronson, Inc., New York, 1978.
  • Jacobs, Carolyn, Psy.D. “The blank slate: The modern denial of human nature.” Book Review in: Family Systems: A Journal of Natural Systems Thinking in Psychiatry and the Sciences. Vol.7:1, 83-90, 2004.
  • Jacobs, Carolyn, Psy.D. “Supervision in Bowen theory, thought and therapy,” The Therapist, July/August, 60-62, 2004.
  • Kerr, Michael M.D., Bowen Theory Secrets: Revealing the Hidden Life of Families. W.W. Norton & Co. New York, 2019.
  • Kerr, Michael, M.D. “One family’s story: A primer on Bowen theory.” Washington D.C. published by the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family, 2003.
  • Kerr, Michael, M.D. & Bowen, Murray, M.D., Family Evaluation: An Approach Based on Bowen Theory. W.W. Norton & Co., New York, 1988.
  • Kerr, Michael, M.D. “Chronic anxiety and defining a self,” The Atlantic Monthly 262: 35-58, 1988.
  • Papero, Daniel Ph.D., Frost, R., Havstad, L., and Noone, R. Natural Systems Thinking and the Human Family. Systems, 6(2), 19. 2018.
  • Papero, Daniel Ph.D., Bowen Family Systems Theory, Allyn & Bacon, Boston, 1990.
  • (800) GFC-6882, (202) 965-4400
    www.thebowencenter.org
  • Family Systems: A Journal of Natural System Thinking in Psychiatry and the Sciences. Published biannually. First issue June 1994.
  • The Family Center Report. Published biannually since 1979-1996.(Feature articles from the FC Report) available July 1997 in Bowen: Theory and Practice.

The following websites are additional resources for learning about Bowen theory from organizations in various parts of the country. Their programs are directed by people who trained extensively at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and who are in close contact with the most recent developments in Bowen theory and the science that informs theory. This initial list of links are centers represented in the Network Program for the Advancement of Bowen Theory.

October 26, 2019 – Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory featuring Michael Kerr, M.D. “Applying Natural Systems Thinking at the Cellular, Family and Societal Levels.” San Diego, CA.

March 23. 2019 – Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory featuring Daniel Papero, Ph.D. “…something deep…Emotion, Perception and Bias in Bowen Theory. San Diego, CA.

November 30, 2018 – First Bowen Theory Academy Conference; Co-sponsored by Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Kansas City Center for Family And Organizational Systems featuring Michael Kerr, M.D., Michael Lumpkin, Ph.D., Kathleen Kerr, MSN, MA, CNS, and Margaret Otto, LSCSW. Live Streaming Bowen Theory Conference. Kansa City, MO.

March 24, 2018 – Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Daniel Papero, Ph.D. Systems Thinking in a Troubled World. San Diego, CA.

October 28, 2017 – Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Michael Kerr, M.D. The Hidden Life of Families: Modern Synthesis of Bowen Family Systems Theory. San Diego, CA.

March 18, 2017 – Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Daniel Papero, Ph.D. Managing Self in a Fearful World: Using Bowen Theory to Survive & Thrive. San Diego, CA.

October 29, 2016 – Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Michael Kerr, M.D. Finer Points of the Concept and Process of Differentiation. San Diego, CA.

June 25, 2016 – Annual Southern Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Kathleen Kerr, MSN, MA CNS. Differentiation of Self: A Bi-polar Concept. San Diego, CA.

March 5, 2016 – Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Daniel Papero, Ph.D. A Systems View of Trauma. San Diego, CA.

October 24, 2015 – Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Michael Kerr, M.D. New Thinking about Bowen Theory: A Modern Synthesis. San Diego, CA.

July 11, 2015 – Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Kathleen Kerr, MSN, MA, CNS. Attachment Theory and Bowen Theory: What Difference Do the Differences Make? Irvine, CA.

November 22, 2014 – Sponsor of Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Michael Kerr, M.D. Obstacles to Applying Systems Thinking to Human Behavior. San Diego, CA.

June 23, 2014 – Sponsor of Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Kathleen Kerr, MSN, MA, CNS. Triangles – They’re Everywhere! San Diego, CA.

March 29, 2014 – Sponsor of Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Daniel Papero, Ph.D. Systems Therapy: Giving Nature a Better Chance. San Diego, CA.

November 23, 2013 – Sponsor of 15th Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Michael Kerr, M.D. Differentiation of Self: A Way of Thinking that Translates into a Way of Being. San Diego, CA.

June 22, 2013 – Sponsor of Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Kathleen Kerr, MSN, MA, CNS. The Ties that Bind: Child Focus in Family and Society. San Diego, CA.

March 23, 2013 – Sponsor of Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Daniel Papero, Ph.D. Family Emotional Process, Development and Differentiation of Self. San Diego, CA.

October 20, 2012 – Sponsor of 14th Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Michael Kerr, M.D. Mind, Body, Family: The Interplay Between Health and Family Systems Balance. San Diego, CA.

June 23, 2012 – Sponsor of Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Kathleen Kerr, MSN, MA. Attachment Theory and Bowen Theory: What Difference Do the Differences Make? San Diego, CA.

March 10, 2012 – Sponsor of Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Daniel Papero, Ph.D. Bowen Theory and Marriage. San Diego, CA.

October 15, 2011 – Sponsor of 13th Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Michael Kerr, M.D. Differentiation of Self – Two Avenues of Research: Scientific Inquiry and the Study of One’s Own Family. San Diego, CA.

March 19, 2011 – Sponsor of Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory conference featuring Daniel Papero, Ph.D. Challenge and Crisis in the Family: When the Going Gets Tough. San Diego, CA.

October 30, 2010 – Sponsor of 12th Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Psychotherapy conference featuring Michael Kerr, M.D. Obstacles to Differentiation of Self. San Diego, CA.

May 22, 2010 – Sponsor of Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Psychotherapy conference featuring Daniel Papero, Ph.D. Using the Cognitive to Control the Twitch: The Process of Differentiation of Self in the Context of Important Relationships and Beyond. San Diego, CA.

October 17, 2009 – Sponsor of 11th Annual Southern California Education and Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Psychotherapy with Michael Kerr, M.D. Bowen Theory Family Systems Theory: Exploring the Relationship Between Emotional Functioning and the Onset and Course of Cancer. San Diego, CA.

March 14, 2009 – sponsor of Southern CA Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Psychotherapy with Daniel Papero, Ph.D. Bowen Theory and Emotion in Intense Relationships: Observing and Managing Self More Effectively in the Family, Clinical Setting and Work System. San Diego, CA.

October 18-19, 2008 – Sponsor of Tenth Annual Southern California Conference on Bowen Theory with Michael Kerr, M.D. Illustrating Bowen Family Systems Theory through Clinical Applications. San Diego, CA.

April 5, 2008 – Sponsor of Southern CA Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Psychotherapy with Daniel Papero, Ph.D. Fundamentals of Relationship: The Basics of Relating As Seen Through the Window of Bowen Theory. San Diego, CA.

October 6-7, 2007 – Sponsor of Ninth Annual Southern California Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory and Psychotherapy with Michael Kerr, M.D. Increasing Basic Level of Differentiation: Modifying Chronic Anxiety in Self and in the Family. San Diego, CA.

March 24, 2007 – Sponsor of Southern CA Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory with Daniel Papero, Ph.D. “When Forgiveness Is Not An Option: Resolving Couples and Family Conflict Through the Lens of Bowen Theory.” San Diego, CA.

October 21-22, 2006 – Sponsor of Eighth Annual Southern California Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory and Psychotherapy with Michael Kerr, M.D. and Kathleen Kerr, MSN MA. “Attachment Theory and Bowen Theory: What Difference Do the Differences Make? How Bowen Theory Guides Therapy.” Costa Mesa, CA.

March 18-19, 2006 – Sponsor of Southern California Training in Bowen Family Systems Theory with Daniel Papero, Ph.D. “Sailing Against the Wind: Bowen theory and Leadership Lessons from the Family.” Costa Mesa, CA.

October 29-30, 2005 – Sponsor of Seventh Annual Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Michael Kerr, M.C. “Understanding the Multigenerational Family Legacy and How Siblings Turn Out Differently.” Costa Mesa, CA.

March 19-20, 2005 – Sponsor of Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Daniel Papero, Ph.D. “Emotional Kaleidoscopes: Relationships, Neuroscience & Bowen Theory.” Costa Mesa, CA.

October 9-10, 2004 – Sponsor of Sixth Annual Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Michael Kerr, M.D. “Challenging Misconceptions about Bowen Theory and the Process of Differentiation.” San Diego, CA.

March 19-20, 2004 – Sponsor of Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Daniel Papero, Ph.D. “Bowen Theory and the Clinician’s Own Family.” San Diego, CA.

October 24-25, 2003 – Sponsor of Fifth Annual Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Michael Kerr, M.D. “Obstacles to Applying Systems Thinking to Human Behavior.” San Diego, CA.

March 14-15, 2003 – Sponsor of Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Daniel Papero, Ph.D. “Bowen Theory and the Mind/Body Connection: Relationships, Differentiation and Health.” San Diego, CA.

October 5-6 2002 – Sponsored Fourth Annual Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Michael Kerr, M.D “Chronic Anxiety, Emotional Regression and Symptom Development.” San Diego, CA.

June 22-23, 2002 – Sponsor of Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Daniel Papero, Ph.D. “Bowen Theory – The Eighth Concept: Emotional Process in Family and Society.” San Diego, CA.

October 5-6, 2001 – Sponsored Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Michael Kerr, M.D. and Kathleen Kerr, MS, MSN. “Symbiosis and Differentiation: Working with the Child-focused Family.” San Diego, CA.

March 16-17, 2001 – Sponsored Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Daniel Papero, Ph.D. “From the Family to the Firm: The Workplace as a Living System.” San Diego, CA.

October 6-7, 2000 – Sponsored Southern Second Annual CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Michael Kerr, M.D. “Symptom Formation in the Nuclear Family.” San Diego, CA.

August 19, 2000 – Sponsored Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Walter Smith, Ph.D. “Child Abuse in Family Emotional Process.” San Diego, CA.

March 17-18, 2000 – Sponsored Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Daniel Papero, Ph.D. “Emotional Reactivity in Marriage.” San Diego, CA.

October 15-16, 1999 – Sponsored First Annual Southern CA Conference on Bowen Family Systems Theory with Michael Kerr, M.D. “The Process of Differentiation of Self.” San Diego, CA.

May 15, 1999 – Presented Continuing Education Training Course at Alliant/USIU San Diego entitled “Seminar on Bowen Family Systems Theory and Therapy: Emotional Reactivity and its Impact on Marital Functioning.” San Diego, CA.

January 30, 1998 – Faculty Presenter at San Diego Conference on Responding to Child Maltreatment, sponsored by Children’s Hospital and San Diego Center for Child Protection. Workshop entitled “Point/Counterpoint: Should Children Be Asked to Testify against Their Parents?” Panel Members: Dr. Carolyn Jacobs and Dr. Thomas Lyons, Associate Professor of Law, University of Southern California. Moderated by Daniel Goldstein – San Diego County District Attorney.

May 17, 1997 – Presented Continuing Education Training Course at California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego, entitled “Bowen Family Systems Theory: Couples Therapy.” San Diego, CA.

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  • The Emotional Side of Organizations:Applications of Bowen Theory. Proceedings from the April 22-23, 1995, conference on organizations.
  • Family Systems:A Journal of Natural Systems Thinking in Psychiatry and the Sciences. Published biannually.First issued June 1994.
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Bowen Theory Academy International Virtual Conference

Bowen Theory Academy International Virtual Conference - Online "Live" Zoom Conference. Registration Form. Friday, October 7, 2022, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm PDT Click here to register.