14th Annual Day of Workshops
Friday, February 17, 2011

	Location:	Lake Street Church of Evanston 607 Lake Street, Evanston, Illinois (Event not affiliated with Lake Street Church of Evanston)
	Parking:	Lake Street Church has no parking. All day parking is available at the Self-Park facility at Church St. & Chicago Ave. (2 blocks north of conference location). Use the courtyard entrance off Chicago Avenue.
	CEUs:	6 credit hours for full-day attendees; approved for: Social Workers, Professional Counselors/Clinical Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists
	Cost:	$110.00 ($55.00 for students with current ID)
	Registration Deadline:	February 10, 2012
	Ways to Register:	Via Printable Registration Form or PayPal

Clinical Application of Bowen Family Systems Theory
Dr. Murray Bowen developed a comprehensive new theory of the family. Based on his view of the human as part of nature and the family as a natural system, Dr. Bowen described the emotional process and the automatic patterns of behavior among family members. He is best known for his concept of differentiation of self and the scale of differentiation that described the broad range of variation in human emotional functioning.

8:30 A.M. Registration and Coffee

9:00 A.M. KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Family, Self, and Optimal Functioning
Presented by: Robert J. Noone, Ph.D.
The concept of the emotional system in Bowen family systems theory highlights how fundamentally interdependent we are. This interdependence makes life both interesting and rewarding, but also contributes to much of the distress individuals experience throughout their lives. Far from being the autonomous, free-willed individuals our subjective experience can lead us to believe we are, the facts of life indicate we are deeply embedded in our important relationships, society, and the larger ecosystem. And while this embeddedness constrains autonomy, knowledge of the family and work systems can paradoxically allow individuals to be more self-directed, to have more choice.

Bowen theory provides a road map for individuals motivated to enhance their capacity to be at their best. The concepts of differentiation of self and the emotional system underscore the balance of autonomy and interdependence individuals and families are faced with. The clinical approach based on the theory provides a way for individuals to enhance their functioning in a manner which contributes to the functioning of the family. In this presentation Dr. Noone will discuss how knowledge of the family can lead to more optimal functioning for both self and the family.

Robert J. Noone, Ph.D., is a founding faculty member of Center for Family Consultation and has been a practicing family therapist for over forty years. He is a frequent presenter at conferences nationally and the author of numerous papers on family theory. He maintains a private practice in Evanston, Illinois.

10:20 A.M. Break

10:35 A.M: Video and Discussion: Defining a Self in One's Family of Origin, An interview of Murray Bowen, M.D. by Michael Kerr, M.D. (1980) Murray Bowen describes essential principles, basic strategy, common obstacles, time frame, and changes possible for one who chooses to define self in the multigenerational system of his or her family. The discussion will be led by Carol Moran, MSW.

12:00 P.M. Lunch

1:30 P.M. - Workshops

Schopenhauer's Porcupines: Transference vs. Differentiation of Self
John Bell, M.Div.
In her book, Schopenhauer's Porcupines, Dr. Deborah Ann Luepnitz shares fives stories from her practice that showcase her use of Freud's model of transference in the therapeutic relationship. Through the use of "talk therapy" an individual can learn to balance the human need to be both close and separate. Dr. Murray Bowen pioneered a revolutionary approach for addressing this need for individuality and togetherness which is radically different. The presenter will explore the differences between these two concepts and present a case for differentiation of self that uses the last chapter of Luepnitz's book on homelessness as an example.

Healthcare Reform in the U.S.: An Emotional Systems Perspective
Leslie Ann Fox, MA, RHIA, FAHIMA
The healthcare system in the United States is failing on many levels, and all stakeholders have a responsibility to understand their role in either amplifying or solving the problems that leave the American public vulnerable, and our society in a state of regression, mentally and physically. Using Bowen theory as a framework to think about emotional process in society, this presentation explores the issue of healthcare reform-how could Bowen theory help us reframe the concept of healthcare, and how it is delivered? Can moving from an individual perspective to a systems perspective bring greater clarity to this emotionally charged issue? How can individual practitioners manage their anxiety and lead toward a new vision? The presenter will provide facts about the functioning of today's healthcare system in the U.S., and involve participants in a discussion about applying Bowen theory's concepts to this societal challenge.

Weight Loss Lessons from the Titanic: Avoiding the 'Abandon Ship' Dieting Experience
Stephan Gombis, MSMFT, LCPC, BCN
Millions of people attempt to diet each year in hopes of attaining a weight they can be proud of. Statistics show that a large majority of these attempts are unsuccessful. The presenter believes these failures are largely influenced by an over focus on what weight loss behavior is without addressing how to control the process that motivates behavior. The presenter hypothesizes that dieters would experience longer term results if their programs had a model for helping individuals recognize the impact their relationship systems have in supporting the symptom of weight gain, the role of their stress response system and a structure for developing healthy habit skills based on best practices.

The Primary Triangle: Where It All Begins
Kelly Matthews-Pluta, LCSW
Dr. Bowen stated: "The concept of triangles provides a theoretical framework for understanding the microscopic functioning of all emotional systems." We find ourselves in many triangles throughout life, yet few are as crucial as the primary triangle with one's parents. The focus of discussion will be the evolution and function of the primary triangle.

2:40 P.M. Break

2:50 P.M. - Workshops

Collective Intelligence and Differentiation of Self
Stephanie Ferrera, MSW
Science writer Matt Ridley proposes that human achievement is "entirely a networking phenomenon. "Having smart, clever individuals is not enough. It is through trade and specialization, the combining of people's skills and knowledge, that homo sapiens has achieved its dominant position on the planet. Bowen theory takes this idea a step further by looking at the network as an emotional system. The level of differentiation of the members is a key factor in the functioning of the network.

The Father, the Son and the Snow Blower: Using Bowen Concepts to Dig Out from the Storm
Cecilia Guzman, MSW
This presentation will illustrate through a case study the Bowen theory 's concepts of the multigenerational transmission process and the family projection process with severe symptom development in a child. The case will also illustrate overfunctioning-underfunctioning reciprocity within the family. A general overview of these concepts will be provided, along with a description of how the family improved their overall functioning through the use of the theory.

"I See Triangles": 5 Years of Family of Origin Work
Lisa Moss, MSW
This presentation would explore one clinician's family of origin work over a five-year period and observations on shifts in the family system viewed through a theoretical understanding of Bowen's concept of triangles. The presentation will explore the theory of triangles and will use family of origin work to illustrate the theory. Two examples will be presented: one that includes this clinician, her mother and her sibling and another including the clinician, her spouse and son.

The Faithful Son: Henry Thoreau's Thought and Function within his Family
Robert L. Williamson, M.Div.
This presentation will describe the functioning of Henry David Thoreau within his family of origin during the years following his stay at Walden Pond, including the function for the family unit of his changing philosophy of nature. The presentation will place the Thoreau family in the context of two previous generations of his mother's family.

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