Center for the Study of Natural Systems and the Family, a 501(c)3
non-profit organization, was established in 1998 to provide educational
programs, to conduct research, and to offer clinical and community
services based upon Bowen theory, the study of natural systems and the
family. This mission includes integration of knowledge about the impact
of relationships in the family and society in the fields of science,
health care, religious service, social services, education, and
business.
Murray Bowen, MD (1913-1990) developed a new theory of human behavior
based more in the natural sciences than on the individual theories of
psychiatry and psychology. While at Menninger Foundation from 1946 to
1954, he defined characteristics of natural systems believed to be
common to all life. He integrated what he considered scientific in the
work of Freud with facts from evolution and the natural sciences,
through a natural systems theory. Differentiation of self and the scale
of differentiation, along with six other interrelated concepts, formed
the basis for a new view of the human family. Years of family research
at NIMH confirmed a body of concepts capable of explaining variation in
health and human functioning. Principles based upon these basic
concepts provide a foundation for applications in research, education,
psychotherapy, medicine, and personal life.
Dr. Bowen came to Georgetown University in Washington, DC in 1959 and
founded The Family Center, now independent of the university, to be a
center for research, study and practice in this theory. The faculty
there apply Bowen theory toward problems facing families, organizations
and human society. Leaders in the study of family systems have
established centers throughout the country. Center for the Study of
Natural Systems and the Family in Houston and El Paso is the first
organization based upon Bowen theory to be established in Texas and will
make unique contributions here.
Although The Bowen Center in Washington, DC remains the center for
development of leadership throughout the country, local programs provide
resources for all levels of learning. A local program can serve to
introduce a wide range of people to Bowen theory and its application
through coaching and study. Seminars, conferences, and consultation
provide resources for those who apply theory in their own fields.
Connections between science and Bowen theory are forged through ongoing
exchange of ideas between students of Bowen theory and scientists in
local institutions. A local program can be a resource for individuals
in science and health care who want to develop a systems perspective for
their research or practice. The same is true for education, business,
and other professions in which individuals apply their study of family
systems.
No local organization can fully develop its leadership without the
faculty and programs at The Bowen Center. Those who develop leadership
responsibilities in local programs rely upon The Bowen Center itself for
ongoing study. Local programs and services provide an arena for those
who are motivated to teach, to work on research projects, and to develop
community services based upon their study of family systems.
Victoria Harrison served as
founding Director of CSNSF from 1995 to 2002 when Dr. Michael Quinn assumed
leadership as Director of the Board.
Victoria Harrison was elected to serve as Director a second time in
2007. Louise Rauseo continues to serve on the
Board of Directors and
directs the CSNSF Programs on the Border. Elizabeth Smith
and Michael
Quinn retired from their positions on the board in 2007.
Ada Luisa
Trillo, Robert Creech, and
Katie Long joined the Board of Directors in
2005 and continue to serve with responsibilities for significant
programs. Please see their biographies in the Leadership section of
this site.
Individuals from various fields with a lively interest in Bowen theory
form an Advisory Board for CSNS&F. The initial Board of Advisors
includes Michael Kerr, MD, Director of The Bowen Center; Anne Jacobson,
PhD, Dean of Cognitive Sciences at University of Houston; and Daryl
Koehn, PhD, Director of the Center for Business Ethics at University of
St. Thomas. Pastor Lisa Hackler established the quarterly newsletter,
Family Systems Forum, in 1999. Rev. Katie Long assumed
responsibilities as Director and Editor in Chief in 1004.
There are many areas in which individuals can make a contribution to
CSNS&F. The most important contributions arise from using CSNS&F as a
resource to address family or societal concerns, to develop new
knowledge and to apply Bowen theory in one's own field.
Over 1500 individuals attended conferences and programs at CSNS&F in Houston,
in Austin, in El Paso, and in Cd. Juarez, Mexico between 1998 and 2005.
Each individual who pursues the study of family systems has a ripple effect in
nursing, education, Christian education, ministry, psychotheraphy, neurofeedback,
speech and language therapy, brain injury rehabiilitation, philosophy and ethics,
business management, and health care administration.
Please see
Comments on the Study of Bowen Theory for examples that illustrate the
study of family systems in action.
Financial contributions are also welcome. Registration fees pay
educational program costs, but contributions provide scholarships for
people who could not otherwise afford to attend. Some program goals do
require grant support or financial donations. Development of a center
location, expansion of publications and videotape teaching library,
research, demonstration and evaluation projects, and program development
all require time and money to accomplish. Program plans and budgets are
available for any project one might wish to support. The tax and
accounting firm of Blazek and Vetterling provide accounting and tax
services for CSNS&F and make available financial statements for
interested individuals.
Thank you for your interest in facts about Center for the Study of
Natural Systems and the Family. Please return to Home Page for
information about Bowen theory, current Educational Programs for 2001-2002 and
for articles from back issues of Family Systems Forum.
