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Families with Addictions: A Bowen Theory Perspective
Anne McKnight, LCSW, EdD
Many perspectives exist on addiction. Bowen Family Systems Theory offers a unique
perspective, viewing addiction as something that emerges from the emotional process
in the family. Without blaming any member of the family, systems theory sees an
individual turning to alcohol or drugs as a mechanism to manage the anxiety in the
family. The use of alcohol to manage anxiety can be a coping strategy that families use
the family emotional process. Bowen theory guides families and professionals to step
This day will explore the various concepts of Bowen theory, including the importance
in relation to each other and how certain individuals in the system become more
vulnerable to develop symptoms due to their greater level of sensitivity to the family
relationship process.
Dr. Anne S. McKnight became the Director of the Bowen Center for the Study of the
Family, in Washington DC, on January 1, 2011, after eighteen years of association with
the center. During that time she held increasing responsibilities for the development
and management of the many educational programs offered by the center, and in recent
years, she was the director of the center’s postgraduate training program.
problems in her private practice. She has presented nationally and internationally on
Bowen theory. Please refer to www.thebowencenter.org
Murray Bowen, MD, developed a theory of human behavior based on a view of the family as a multigenerational system governed by the same laws of nature that govern all of life. He considered individual life to be guided in large part by what he termed
the “emotional system.” His concept of “Differentiation of Self” described the capacity of an individual within a family to be
responsible both for self and for the overall good of the group in the face of emotional pressure.
Knowledge of Bowen theory and its applications to family life organizational functioning, and societal processes provides a
unique approach to solving human problems based on the effort of the individual to manage self within the relationship system.
In the early 1950s, Bowen conducted research at the National Institute of Mental Health where he studied entire families on a
psychiatric ward. He was able to observe how the family functions as a unit and how an individual may function as part of a
larger emotional system without being aware of it. Bowen’s book, Family Therapy in Clinical Practice, is a collection of articles
including religion, business and organizational management, and mental health.
The New England Seminar on Bowen Theory provides a regional meeting ground for the study of Bowen theory and its life
science orientation fostering original work and offering educational programs.
$15
$110
$120
$70
(Lunch is available on campus)
contact:
Peter Titelman, 413-584-7733 or
[email protected]
The New England Seminar on Bowen Theory
centers devoted to the study of Bowen theory.
Please see our web page:
www.bowentheoryne.org
Send advance registration to:
Peter Titelman
11 Kensington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Please complete registration form
The pre-registration fee is refundable, less a $25 administrative fee, before March 21, 2015.
Registration Fees
Received before March 21
Received after March 21
Student w/ ID or Retiree
Marriage & Family (5.5) and
Social Work CEUs (5.5)
For directions go to www.clarku.edu and click
“directions” on the home page.
Location: Clark University
Higgins University Center
Grace Executive Conference Room
950 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610-1477
Please make checks payable to:
New England Association of Bowen Theorists, Inc.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Anne McKnight, LCSW, EdD
with
A One Day Program
Families with Addictions:
A Bowen Theory Perspective
Presents
New England Seminar on
Bowen Theory
Friday, March 27, 2015
Program: 9:00 am to 4:15 pm
Registration: 8:15 am
$ __________
$ __________
$ __________
Registration Fee
CEUs
Total enclosed:
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REGISTRATION FORM
March 27, 2015
New England Seminar on
Bowen Theory