Module C: Clinical Applications of Bowen Family Systems Theory

Module C: Clinical Applications of Bowen Family Systems Theory

單元C：博域家庭系統理論的臨床應用

Bowen theory provides a roadmap for self-change. It offers a comprehensive framework for understanding our emotional functioning and relationship patterns with others.The goal of therapy is to modify the family relationship system and effect fundamental change in the individual, not just symptom reduction. Clients will learn to identify and correct dysfunctional patterns in relationships and try out their best functioning guided by clear thinking and well-thought out principles.

This course provides an initial overview of how to apply Bowen theory to clinical work.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

To help clinicians apply Bowen theory in clinical work. Illustrations will be made with case examples facing issues such as marital difficulties, depression, and child-focused families.

COURSE CONTENT

Systemic and multi-generational assessment and conceptualization, constructing the family diagram, developing hypothesis
Maintaining neutrality and objectivity
Defining the emotional process, tracking the interaction sequence with client
Detriangling
Taking I – position, the therapist’s management of self in the session
Use of questions and displacement stories
Learning to think systems and maintain a research attitude

COURSE DETAILS

Course Code:	CA 40/26
Date & Time:	May.18, June.1, 8, 15, 22 &29, 2026 (Mon) 6:45 pm – 9:45 pm (6 sessions, total 18 hours)
Fee:	HKD $4,500 /person (COF Membership HKD $4,275 / Price for two: $8,280)
Venue:	Hybrid (Zoom + in-person attendance) International Social Service Hong Kong Branch, 6/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Target participants:	Social workers, counsellors, psychologists, therapists and teachers. (Prerequisite requirement: Completion of Module A: Basic Course in Bowen Family Systems Theory)
Instructor:	Dr. Wynnie Wan, DPsy – Marriage & Family Therapy & Ms. Doris Tai, M. Social Sciences (Counselling)
Language:	Cantonese supplemented with English

INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Wynnie Wan, DPsy – Marriage & Family Therapy

溫穎儀博士香港國際社會服務社國際社家庭學院服務總監

Wynnie was first introduced to Bowen Theory in 2011, initially starting with short-term workshops and gradually building her knowledge bit by bit. In 2016, she began actively promoting Bowen Theory by participating in conferences and seminar groups, and served as a presenter at conference. By 2020, she had completed a two-year professional training program on Bowen Theory. Later, while pursuing her doctoral degree, Wynnie continued to delve into Bowen Theory, applying it as the foundation for family therapy in her clinical practice.

Wynnie is a Certified Counsellor (Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association) and Certified Marriage & Family Therapist (Hong Kong Marriage and Family Therapy Association). She is also a supervisor in Bethel Pastoral Counselling Center since 2020, providing group supervision to a team of counsellors.

Ms. Doris Tai, M. Social Sciences (Counselling)

戴慧嬋小姐社會科學碩士（主修輔導）

Ms. Tai has practiced marriage and family therapy since 1999. She has handled cases in the areas of interpersonal relationships, dating, family of origin, marital stress and extra-marital affairs, parenting, grief, emotional distress, work pressure, addiction, and faiths, etc. She has served as the clinical supervisor of a family service center, part-time lecturer at the seminary, and church preacher. and speaks at workshops and conferences. She was graduated M. Social Sciences (Counselling) from The University of Hong Kong. She is Certified Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Supervisor (HKMFT), as well as Certified Professional Counselor and an Associate Fellow (HKPCA). Ms. Tai has received training in various counseling theories, but has mainly studied and adopts Bowen family systems theory as her framework for counseling. Ms. Tai was born and raised in Hong Kong. She later received education and training as well as worked in Taiwan, Canada, the United States, and Australia.

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