The Relationships We Live In

In this episode with Tom Schur & Charlie White, we discuss Tom's Mag-Min model, the process of systemic supervision, Bowen Theory, and participation as a path to discussing and working on deep change, or second-order change. Tom Schur is a Family Systems Therapist and a Social Worker. He still maintain my private practice, that began over 40 years ago, but now on a limited basis. He has taught...

In this episode, Patrick Stinson and I explore the state of art in psychotherapy, and how to build research rooted theory. Patrick lays out the model he has been building, called SARF (Symptom, Anxiety, Relationship, Functioning). Patrick is the founder of Alaska Family Systems: an effort by Dr. Patrick Stinson to address limitations in applied psychology as a science. Whether in the clinic, busin...

In this episode Erik Thompson and I explore meditation, transcendence, and the idea of the Universal Self. Erik is the founder and president of Thompson Leadership Development , an executive coaching firm designed to assist high performing teams in becoming exceptional leaders together. Trained as a leadership psychologist, Erik Thompson’s focus is on the DNA of successful teams. He uses this know...

In this episode Dr. Meredith Elkins and I discuss the concepts and ideas in her latest book " Parenting Anxiety: breaking the cycle of worry and raising resilient kids . Dr. Meredith Elkins is a clinical psychologist who helps kids, teens, and parents break the cycle of anxiety and build resilience. She co-leads the McLean Anxiety Mastery Program at McLean Hospital and is a faculty member at Harva...

In this episode writer, comedian, teacher, and systemic thinker, Michael Long and I discuss his recent books "The Molecule of More" and "Taming the Molecule of More." We explore how dopamine actually works, how that differs from the popular understanding, how it influences human thinking and behavior, and what people can do to gain more control of how they think and behave so they can live more th...

In this episode, Randy Frost, former director of the Bowen Center in Georgetown, discusses the challenges of family research, and the benefits of taking on a research position in your own life, your relationships, and your role in society. We explore marriages, parenting, and civic responsibility.

In this episode Andrea Schara discusses her relationship to Murray Bowen, his impact on the field of Family Therapy, the importance of stories in the lives of individuals and as a therapeutic vehicle, and how humor is essential for living in a challenging world. Andrea has a forthcoming book entitled "When Your Brother Tells You He's Jesus Christ What Will You Do" where she dives in to the stories...

In this episode, Peggy Chan, director of program at the ISS Family Institute, shares her experience working at the relationship between young married couples and their in-laws, how she is thinking about her own retirement, and how the exodus of a younger generation from Hong Kong has impacted both that generation and the generation above that finds themselves suddenly bereft of the relationships t...

Jenny Brown is the founder and former director of the Bowen Center in Australia. She is the author of the book “Growing Yourself Up: how to bring your best to all of life’s relationships” and has a forthcoming book “The Parenting Paradox: how to love your children by giving them space to grow,” set for release in June 2026. She is the architect of the Parent Hope Project which applies Bowen Theory...

In this episode with Kathleen Cauley we explore relationship systems, couples counseling, paths of personal growth, and the concept of vocation. Kathleen Cotter Cauley, M.Ed., LMFT, is in private practice in Falls Church, Virginia. She is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Ms. Cauley was born and raised as the third of four children in D...

In this episode, John Bell and I discuss bringing systems thinking to congregations, the ministry, and non-profits. We share personal stories of growth, and explore the concept of spirituality as it relates to the present and to people's lives. John Bell is an ordained United Methodist pastor. John became interested in Bowen theory after hearing Peter Steinke say, "Good leadership rises above the...

John & Nick Engels are the founder and partner of Leadership Coaching Inc. which helps leaders manage relationship opportunities and challenges, promote self-clarity, and reduce anxiety in their workplaces and families. https://www.leadershipcoachinginc.com/ In this episode John and Nick use real life examples to illustrate the challenges they face in their work with leaders and organizations,...

In this episode with Kathy Wiseman and Teresa Edmondson we discuss the relationship side of family wealth transfer, how organizations operate as emotional units, and how families can address business and financial challenges by taking a broader, systemic view of the problem. Kathy and Teresa's collaborative project is The Family Portfolio, which offers a new approach to navigating the intersection...

In this episode of "The Relationships We Live In" Dr. Laura Havstad and I explore Bowen Theory as a framework for the field of psychology, the concept in theory of societal regression, and the importance of an ecological approach to change. Dr. Laura Havstad is a Clinical Psychologist, and has been practicing in Sonoma County, California since 1980. She obtained her PhD from the University of Sout...

In this episode Jake Morrill discuss his work with organizations and leadership from a systemic and relationship perspective, his journey as an organizational and leadership coach, and how his early family life shaped his trajectory. Jake is the founder of Generation to Generation Leadership Coaching ( https://www.gentogenleadership.com/ ) and a faculty member at the Bowen Center for the Study of...

In this episode with Katherine White, direct of Living Systems ( https://livingsystems.ca/about/ ) we discuss the professional development of therapists, couples counseling, perspectives on family issues, and the challenge of thinking broadly and systemically about real life challenges.

Dr. Kathleen Smith is a licensed therapist and writer who lives in Washington, DC. Her books include Everything Isn't Terrible and True to You: A Therapist's Guide to Stop Pleasing Others and Start Being Yourself. She is a faculty member at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and author of the popular newsletter, The Anxious Overachiever. Visit Dr. Smith @ https://kathleensmithwrites.com/

In this episode we discuss the difference and significance of systems thinking, specifically Bowen Theory, we explore relationship patterns and dynamics, and investigate what make marriages tick.

Dr. Smith is a trustee of the Casey Family Programs foundation based in Seattle Washington. This 2.6-billion-dollar operating foundation has a mission to provide, improve – an ultimately prevent the need for – foster care, and operates in all fifty states, District of Columbia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Member (2018-present.) Chair of board (2021-present) Walter Howard Smith, Jr.’s care...

In this episode Erik Thompson and I explore a range of topics from parenting and intimacy, to meditation. Erik Thompson is the founder and president of Thompson Leadership Development ( www.thompsonleadership.com ), an executive coaching firm designed to assist high performing teams in becoming exceptional leaders together. Trained as a leadership psychologist, Erik Thompson’s focus is on the DNA...

In this episode Jim Rudes, PhD and I bring the audience in on a conversation we have been having for a few years; looking at the world, ideas, and psychology from a relationship perspective.