ADVANCING NAVIGATING SYSTEMS
2021-2022
The Advancing Navigating Systems course showcases the foundational knowledge of differentiation of self or defining one’s self in one’s family and work systems.
By integrating one’s personal experience with systems knowledge, the course promotes time for each participant to reflect on personal challenges where differentiation of self was crucial in making progress in his or her life goals. Presenting one’s living experience to a group of systems thinkers allows one to fine-tune ideas and incorporate interesting feedback.
Course Dates
Nov. 8, 2021*
Jan. 17, 2022
March 14, 2022
May 16, 2022
July 18, 2022*
*The first and last sessions will meet from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST.
The overall goal is to carefully understand one’s experiences in the light of Bowen Theory, leading to more integrated actions, as one becomes more of a self in each system.
This year, as a basis for increasing systems thinking, we will consider the examples from Peter Titelman’s Death and Chronic Illness in the Family: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives. This book contains many fascinating examples of individuals who had life-altering experiences using family systems theory and differentiation of self.
What can be learned from families who have been faced with death or the challenge of chronic illness?
No matter how complex the experience, every family has and will experience loss. During these times, when a system is under pressure, allows us to perceive the way the family or work system manages relationships, distributing tension and anxiety among its members.
Events like death or loss increase stress and anxiety related to the future. At times like this, it is common for people to experience greater difficulty when seeking to regulate emotions and relating well to others. However, if people can remain objective they are able to see how the system works under pressure and blame and conflict that are often experienced are avoided.
Systems knowledge enables motivated individuals to learn how to manage self in relationships through observations of reactive patterns. Recognizing the mechanisms that manage anxiety can then come under more conscious control. One goal is to see how the system operates automatically, without judgment or blame. This in itself decreases anxiety and reactivity.
Utilizing this knowledge enables us to proactively develop strategies and plans to deal with future challenges, giving each of us greater choices to mitigate the effects of our anxiety on our functioning.
At times there are also issues that are unresolved, often stemming from our emotional past—thereby requiring us to reorient and redefine ourselves— within our family system. This is the effort to differentiate a more mature self, allowing us to face challenges with enhanced strength and equilibrium.
“I consider rugged individualism to be an exaggerated pretend posture of a person
struggling against emotional fusion. The differentiated person is always aware of others and the relationship system around him.”
This year’s online course includes:
Bi-monthly online meetings via Zoom
Group forum and individual coaching
Prior participation in Navigating Systems or another Bowen Theory training program is a prerequisite to Advancing Navigating Systems. Space is limited to 9 participants.
Should you have additional questions about this year's program email us at navigatingsystemsdc@gmail.com or call (202) 812-1449.
Course Schedule:
Online group meetings are held on a Monday every other month
from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM EST*
*The first and last sessions will meet from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM EST.
Tuition:
$5,500 via electronic payment or credit card
$4,900 via check payment
Tuition payments are non-refundable.
Application and fees are due by the 15th of October.