Upcoming Programs
Nature Through Nurture: .
Living in Better Harmony With Nature
October 3, 2010 November 13, 2010 December 11, 2010 10AM - 2PM
A collaboration between CSNSF & Portia Leyendecker of Leyendecker Landscape will bring monthly workshops designed to better understand & experience what it means to live in better harmony with nature, even in the 4th largest city in the nation. Each workshop will include:
* a discussion of our connections to all of life, inspired by Bowen theory,
a natural systems theory of human nature: Victoria Harrison, Dir. of CSNSF
* instruction and illustration of principles of sustainable gardening and appreciating
our Houston natural environment:
Portia Leyendecker, Founder & Director of Leyendecker Landscape
* discussion of your own take-home lessons
* field trips to Houston's nurseries and garden centers
where you can see examples of resources discussed in the workshop
* handout resources for your continued use and
* lunch with continued discussion.
Each workshop will be held in the garden at 729 Rutland in Houston Heights.
Registration: $150 for each workshop. Lunch is included
Registration will be limited to 20 people. Please speak to Victoria Harrison about the limited scholarships that are available.
Saturday, October 2: SOIL & AUTUMN GARDENS
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Our Connections to All of Life: Victoria Harrison
Understanding & Working Soil: Portia Leyendecker
Planning & Planting Fall Gardens: Portia Leyendecker
Demonstration Handouts
Tour of the Garden at 729 Rutland
Lunch in the Garden
Saturday, November 11: Thanksgiving: A Time
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM To Think About Trees
The Importance of Trees to Health: Victoria Harrison
Choosing the Best Trees for your Space: Portia Leyendecker
Caring for Your Trees: Portia Leyendeker
A Planting Demonstration Seedlings to Take Home
Field Trip to Newton’s Nursery & Trees
Lunch at Zelko Bistro in the Heights
Continued Discussion of Trees in your life
Saturday, December 11: Going Green for the Holidays
10:00AM – 2:00 PM
Sustaining Self & Reducing Stress: How Going Green
For the Holidays Can Help Victoria Harrison
Growing & Decorating w/ Native Plants: Portia Leyendecker
Create Edible Ornaments for the Birds
Tour the House & Garden Decorated for HHA Holiday
Home Tour
A Festive Lunch in the Garden
Self Discovery Series:
Applying Bowen Theory in Personal & Professional Relationships
September 23 October 28 November 11 6:30 - 8:00
This introductory series is designed to jump start an individual’s ability to apply Bowen theory in family and work relationships. Light bulbs turn on as people discover for themselves how to become more objective and factual, less anxious, and more of a self in challenging situations. 
Each monthly session will address basic ideas in Bowen family systems theory through guided discussion designed to challenge and inspire self-discovery. Real life examples from family and work illustrate the process of using these ideas to bring about change.

Teresa Edmondson has designed this series based upon her work consulting within organizations and coaching individuals to develop leadership capability in their family and in their work system. Ms. Edmondson has studied and applied Bowen theory in her own life and work since 2004.
Those who wish to get the most out of this workshop series will find it useful to read:
Extraordinary Relationships – A New Way of Thinking about Human Interactions by Roberta M. Gilbert, pages 26 – 42 (Thinking Systems, Watching Process; Relationship Patterns & Postures; Emotions in Relationship)
Connecting with Our Children – Guiding Principles for Parents in a Troubled World by Roberta M. Gilbert, pages 61 – 90 (Families are Systems, Anxiety & Its Crucial Effects; The Family as an Emotional Unit; Reactivity in Action)
The Anxious Organization – Why Smart Companies Do Dumb Things by Jeffrey A. Miller pages 8 – 29 (An Inventory of Anxieties; Anxiety is Contagious)
Each of these books can be ordered through CSNSF Bowen Theory Resource Store at www.csnsf.org.
Location: CSNSF Classroom at 729 Rutland, Houston, TX
Dates & Times: From 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM on Thursdays
September 23: Exploring How Anxiousness Flows Through Families & Organizations
- Learn to spot some of the tell-tale signs of an anxious system
- Discover more of your own automatic anxious reactions
- Learn how to interrupt anxiousness and anticipate how others may react
October 28: Your Best Self – Raising Your Level of Functioning
- Explore what it looks like to “pull up” one’s functioning in a system
- Discuss the differences between “thinking” and “feeling” and how each influences one’s functioning
- Examine what it means to define an “I position” and the impact in self and on others
November 11: Family Influences Over Adult Functioning
- Discuss the characteristics of sibling positions and how family expectations influence patterns of adult functioning and relationships throughout life
- Examine the strengths and weaknesses of family patterns
- Explore alternative options for relating to family members and with colleagues at work
Fees & Registration: $35 for each session (Limited Scholarships are available. 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) REGISTER NOW
CEUs will be available for professionals in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and LPC upon request.
Attendance will be limited to 8 registrants.

