Registration for Educational Events and Programs

                     Online Registration: Credit Card & PayPal

Educational programs are approved for Continuing Education Credits for LPC, LMFT, and Social Work. Please request CEU Certification with registration.

The Study and Practice of Bowen Theory: Lecture Series

This monthly lecture series will provide ample time for discussion of questions and ideas about the difference it makes to understand Bowen theory and develop a natural systems perspective in one's life and work.  Victoria Harrison will feature the fundamental aspects of natural systems and the eight concepts defined by Murray Bowen with several goals in mind:

• To distinguish and discuss Bowen theory as different from technique and technology and other theories of human behavior
• To prepare practioners to examine their assumptions and define operating principles based in Bowen theory
• To deepen the basis for knowledge in experience
• To support individuals' development of their applications of Bowen theory in their own family and in various fields of work
• To develop leadership in extending Bowen theory through teaching and writing and program development

Location:  CSNSF Classroom at 729 Rutland in Houston, TX

Time and Dates for 2011-2012
10AM - Noon on Friday
September 30:  Bowen Theory: the Difference a Natural Systems Theory Makes
October 21:  Characteristics of Natural Systems and the Family Emotional System
December: Off
November 11:  Differentiation of Self as the Basis for Functioning
December:  Off
January 13, 2012:  Observing and Reducing Anxiety
February 19: Understanding Triangles
March 16: Multigenerational Emotional Process, Symptoms and Strengths
April 13: TBA 
May 11: TBA
June 15: TBA
July 13:  TBA   

Fees and Registration: $100 for each session.  $25 for Lunch and DVD discussion.  $10 for CEUs.  
Attendance will be limited and is based on discussion with Victoria Harrison.
CEU's will be available in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and LPC upon request.
CSNSF does not decline registration because of financial limitations. Individuals who are motivated to attend are requested to
discuss what they can afford to pay with Victoria Harrsion.
For further information, please contact Victoria Harrison at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Consultation Seminar

Bowen theory provides a framework for understanding families and organizations as natural systems with factors that impact health and functioning in predictable ways. This seminar provides an opportunity for therapists, counselors, pastors, consultants and teachers who are learning and using Bowen theory to present clinical cases, organizational work, and research, teaching, or writing projects for the benefit of systems thinking. The seminar will maintain professional confidentiality. Attendance is by application only and interested people should contact Victoria Harrison.

Recommended Readings from Family Therapy in Clinical Practice by Murray Bowen and from the natural sciences will provide anchors for natural systems thinking about families, organizations, and society and guiding principles for applications of theory in a variety of ways. Victoria Harrison will chair the seminar as well as present her own work and research.

Location: CSNSF Classroom at 729 Rutland

Time and Dates for 2011-2012: 
2-5:30 PM on Friday
October 30
November 11
December: Off
January 13
February, 2012 through September, 2012 (with August off) See Dates Above  

Fees and Registration: $50 for each session.  Attendance at the Lecture Series is a prerequisite.  CEU's will be available in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and LPC upon request. CSNSF does not decline registration because of financial limitations. Individuals who are motivated to attend are requested to discuss what they can afford to pay with Victoria Harrsion.
For further information, please contact Victoria Harrison at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or  713-790-0226.

Basics in Bowen Theory DVD Series: 

Differentiation of Self as the Basis for Change

"When any key member of an emotional system can control his own emotional reactiveness and accurately observe the functioning of the system and his part in it, and he can avoid counterattacking when his is provoked, and when he can maintain an active relationship with the other key members without withdrawing or becoming silent, the entire system will change in a series of predictable ways." Murray Bowen

Basics in Bowen theory is the longest running Bowen theory seminar in Houston, Texas. The thinking of Murray Bowen continues to inform and inspire the efforts of individuals to better understand their own family, to address challenges through differentiation of self, and to apply systems thinking in all areas of life and work. The most common comment from those who are new to Bowen theory is “Dr. Bowen is talking about my family!” The most common comment from those who have years of study is “I hear something new that applies to my situation every time I watch this tape.” This evening videotape seminar series will present DVDs chosen to describe and illustrate steps toward differentiation of self and the difference they make in one's family and life.

Victoria Harrison will chair this seminar and discussion.

Location: CSNSF Classroom at 729 Rutland
Times and Dates: From 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM on Thursdays

• October 20, 2011                                  February 16, 2012                            June 28, 2012
• November 17, 2011                              March 29, 2012                                 July TBA
• December 15, 2011                              April 26, 2012
• January 19, 2012                                  May 24, 2012

Fees and Registration: $50 for each session or $450 advance payment for the series. Attendance is limited to the 8 registrants. CEUs will be available in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and LPC upon request. CSNSF does not decline registration because of financial limitations. Individuals who are motivated to attend are requested to discuss what they can afford to pay with Victoria Harrison.

For further information or to register, please contact Victoria Harrison at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 713-790-0226.

Participants are encouraged to also attend the monthly Bowen Theory Book Study.

Conversations with Faculty of The Bowen Center
via Webcast

One Monday a Month from 1 - 2:30PM
at CSNSF Classroom at 729 Rutland

FThis series of presentations by faculty of The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family
will feature applications of Bowen theory in one's own family, in clinical practice, in
research, and in organizations.  The audience via webcast will include students of Bowen
theory throughout the country. 

Monday, October 10, 2011
Dr. Anne McKnight on Defining Self in the Family

Monday, November 14, 2011
Dr. Anne McKnight on Examples from Clinical Practice

Monday, December 12, 2011
Dr. Daniel Papero on The Function of Anxiety in the Family

Monday, January 9, 2012
Dr. Daniel Papero on Research on Anxiety and Stress

Monday, February 13, 2012
Victoria Harrison, MA, LMFT, LCSW on Observing and Managing Anxiety Part 1

Monday, March 12, 2012
Victoria Harrison, MA, LMFT, LCSW on Observing and Managing Anxiety Part 2

Monday, April 9, 2012
Douglas Murphy, MA, LPC on

Monday, May 7, 2012
Douglas Murphy, MA, LPC on


Fees and Registration:  $40 per session.
Attendance is limited to 10. CEUs will be available in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and LPC upon request. CSNSF does not decline registration because of financial limitations. Individuals who are motivated to attend are requested to discuss what they can afford to pay with Victoria Harrison.  You may register by credit card or PayPal online or by check.

For further information, please contact Victoria Harrison at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 713-790-0226.

Bowen Theory Book Study

One Thursday a Month 6:30 - 8:30 PM

CSNSF Classroom at 729 Rutland in Houston

The overall goal is to help family members to become "systems experts"

Murray Bowen, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice, 157

The Bowen Theory Book Study is for those who want to apply the ideas from Bowen theory in
their own life and family.  No more than 10 people will meet for two hours a month to discuss
selected readings from Murray Bowen's original work and from the writing of those who studied
with him.  Victoria Harrison will chair the discussion and provide focus questions to guide your
exploration.

• Define and understand differentiation of self in theory and through practice
• Develop your ability to "think systems" and find creative solutions to challenges
• Stir thinking that moves you toward your own goals
• Strengthen your ability to be your best self in family and at work

Location:  CSNSF Classroom at 729 Rutland, Houston, TX

Dates: Series I:  Family Therapy in Clinical Practice by Murray Bowen October 6:  Chapters 21 and 22 (80 pages) November 10:  Chapters 13 and 18 (51 pages) January 5, 2012:  Chapters 14, 16, and 17 (71 pages)
Series II:  Family Evaluation by Michael Kerr March 22:  Chapters 1 through 5 (130 pages) April 19:  Chapters 6 through 9 (140 pages) May 17: Epilogue by Murray Bowen (47 pages)
Series III:  Explore your own special topic! Use the literature of Bowen theory and other fields to study something that fascinates you.  Discuss your progress in June and July, then present your discoveries in August.

June 28:  Work in Progress
July 19:  Work in Progress
August 30:  Presentations

Fees and Registration: $100 for each Series (3 sessions each). Attendance is limited to 10. CEUs will be available in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and LPC upon request. CSNSF does not decline registration because of financial limitations. Individuals who are motivated to attend are requested to discuss what they can afford to pay with Victoria Harrison.  You may register by credit card or PayPal online or by check.

For further information, please contact Victoria Harrison at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 713-790-0226.

Bowen Center for the Study of the Family
Thursday Professional Lecture Series
via Webcast to CSNSF

CSNSF is pleased to present

for the first year in Houston by webcast

Tthe Bowen Center Thursday Professional Lecture Series.  The invited
guest speakers and the discussion with an audience from the Conference
Room at The Bowen Center will be "live" via webcast at the CSNSF
Classroom.  Discussion will include those who attend here.
Murray Bowen established the Thursday Professional Lecture Series at
Georgetown Family Center in 1962 to make viable contact with knowledge
from the sciences and other fields and to further the development of Bowen
theory in research and practice.  The Bowen Center continues to hold this
lecture series under the direction of Keo Miller.  The 2011-2012 series will
include such well-known Bowen theory speakers as Randy Frost, Louise
Rauseo, and Anne McKnight.  Other presentations in the pipeline include
a curator from the Museum of Natural History in DC who will speak about
her research with Hispanic families in Los Angeles and their efforts to
maintain Spanish language in the home and an economist who will discuss the
impact of international alliances in banking and government on finance.
Please check The Bowen Center website for updates on topics and speakers

Dates and Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
January 12, 2012:  The Structure of Bowen Theory
Randy Frost
February 9: How Haloarchaea (salt-loving bacteria) Adapt to Changes in Their Salt Composition: Genetic and Ecological Significance
Carol D. Litchfield, PhD
Professor Emeritus, Department of Biology, George Mason University
March 15: Endangered Languages and Family Process
Gabriela Perez-Baez, PhD   
April 12: Neuroscience and Bowen Theoy
Daniel Papero, PhD
May 10:  Addiction, Anxiety and the Family
Anne McKnight, EdD
June 14: A Global Population of Seven Billion and More: How Do They Fare at Older Ages?
Irene Hoskins, President of the International Federation on Aging  
Location: By Webcast to CSNSF Classroom at 729 Rutland, Houston TX

Fees and Registration: $35 per session Attendance limited to 10.
Advance Registration is necessary by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or online or by check to CSNSF at PO Bo 701187, Houston TX 77270.