Module C: Clinical Applications of Bowen Family Systems Theory
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 38/25 |
| Date & Time: | July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & Aug. 6, 2025
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm (6 sessions, total 18 hours) |
| Fee: | HKD $4,500 /person (COF Membership HKD $4,275) |
| 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: | Mrs. Peggy Chan B.Soc.Sc., M.Ed., R.S.W. |
| Language: | Cantonese supplemented with English |
INSTRUCTOR
Mrs. Peggy Chan B.Soc.Sc., M.Ed., R.S.W.
Mrs. Peggy Chan started studying Bowen theory in the early 1990s in Vancouver. She attended the Postgraduate Programme in Bowen Family Systems Theory and Its Applications at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family, Washington DC, U.S.A., from 2008-2013. Peggy continued her study by attending the Bowen Center’s Research Seminar group from 2013 till now. She has been a member of the Bowen Center’s Network Program for the Advancement of Bowen Theory since Nov. 2014. She collaborates with other Bowen theory training centers worldwide to promote better teaching and learning of Bowen theory.
She has presented at conferences and workshops in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, the U.S.A., and Australia. She was the Coordinator of the 2nd International Conference in Bowen Family Systems Theory held in Hong Kong in May 2018. Working closely with non-governmental organizations, she conducts programmes for helping professionals and the public, as well as parents of substance abusers based on Bowen theory.
She is Fellow and Approved Supervisor (Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association), Certified Marriage & Family Therapist and Approved Supervisor (Hong Kong Marriage and Family Therapy Association), and Certified Social Work Specialist (Hong Kong Academy of Social Work).