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Event
Applications of the Bowen Family Systems Theory in Clinical Practice
A WORKSHOP FOR CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS AND INTERESTED OTHERS.
The workshop will assist area licensed social workers to remain connected with the values of the profession; to learn new
theories, concepts, practices and skills; and to network with other social workers. Other human service workers will find the
session valuable although the formal continuing education units do not apply to them.
The goal of this workshop is to draw a distinction between a systems model of thinking about clinical problems and an
individual model. A systems model assumes that a clinical problem originates in, and is perpetuated by, the system, e.g.,
the family. Therefore therapeutic interventions focus on initiating change in the systemic forces that influence an individual
or family. Each person is coached to assume responsibility for changing her or his reflexive responses to others.
There are several schools of thought and practice that are grounded in family systems theory. Arpi Hovaguimian will use the
conceptual framework of the Bowen Family Systems Theory. Much of the presentation will be based on Bowens concept of
differentiation of self.
Differentiation of self is a lifelong journey of defining a self. According to the Bowen Family Systems Theory, when one
person begins to think and behave differently from others in the family, he or she will experience emotional pressure to
conform to the familys prescribed ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Families differ in the degree to which they
pressure each other. However, influencing others is a quality common to most human systems. Learning how to tolerate the
anxiety of being independent yet connected to the system, or defining the self in the system is the subject of this
presentation.
Consistent with Bowens theory is the assumption that the therapist is part of the system. Accordingly, this presentation will
explore the function of the therapist in relation to the person or people present for therapy.
Participants in this workshop can expect to:
Learn to use family diagrams to trace family emotional and behavioral patterns
Exercise thinking about relational problems and clinical symptoms in accordance with the Bowen Theory
Learn to develop, alongside the client(s), contracts for change that are consistent with a systems model of thinking
Understand the role and function of the therapist in relation to the client(s)
A bibliography will be provided to each participant for further reading and learning.
This workshop consists of three interconnected parts:
An introduction to the theory. Family diagrams will be used to assist participants in their understanding of the
various concepts. Short video clips will be used to underscore the key components of Bowen Family Systems
Theory.
A number of clinical case examples for discussion. The goal is to demonstrate the use of a systems model of
thinking about the clinical problems and the directives for change.
An exploration of the function of a Bowen Family Systems therapist. Participants will learn about the implications of
therapeutic interventions based on a systems model of thinking.
About the Presenter
Arpi Hovaguimian, LCSW-R is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice. Her clinical work with individuals and
families is based on the Bowen Family Systems Theory. She has been a student of Bowens Theory for over 25 years. To
stay up to date with new research and to sharpen her thinking about the application of theory in her practice, she regularly
attends conferences at the Bowen Family Center in Washington DC.
Arpi is the former Executive Director of the Alcohol & Drug Council in Ithaca. She had several roles at the Council, including
Clinic Director and Clinician. Prior to her work at the Council, Arpi worked at the Benjamin Rush Center in Syracuse. This
was an inpatient facility where she provided counseling to individuals with addiction diagnoses coupled with mental health
complications.
Arpi has served on several boards in the area including the Tompkins County Community Mental Health Services Board
where she acted as the Chairperson from 2011 to 2013. She also served on the Board of Directors of Suicide Prevention
and Crisis Service and the Board of Dick Van Dyke Alcohol Treatment Service.
For more information about Arpi and her practice, please visit her website:
http://www.arpihova.com
Cancellation policy: All registration purchases are final. At times a workshop may be cancelled due to inclement weather or other issues. If this occurs, we will post the cancellation on our website, email all registered participants, and refund any prepaid fees. If you plan to walk-in, please check our website for the most up-to-date information prior to attending.
Limited scholarships are available for non-profit board and staff members who cannot attend without one. To request a scholarship, email: registration@hsctc.org in advance of the workshop.
Special Needs Please notify us if you have any special needs; the Coalition wishes to make its workshops accessible to everyone.
For the comfort of everyone, HSC workshops are fragrance free. We appreciate your cooperation.
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LocationBorg Warner Room, Tompkins County Public Library (View)
101 E. Green St.
Ithaca, NY 14850
United States
Categories
Kid Friendly: No |
Dog Friendly: No |
Non-Smoking: Yes! |
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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Contact
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