This course teaches systems thinking. Systems thinking broadens our perspective, enhances our objectivity, and lessens blame on others. An important area of study in this course is our emotional interdependency on our family members and our multigenerational family system which will throw light on how we can function more effectively in our family and significant relationships.
About Bowen theory
Bowen's theory provides a comprehensive framework for human behaviour (especially our automatic emotional reactions to others). It offers strategies to deal with interpersonal difficulties and ways to manage self. Differentiation of self is the cornerstone of the theory. It is the capacity to undertake thoughtful and responsible actions and maintain meaningful connections even under emotional and social pressure. It is an essential quality for problem-solving and resilience.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- To provide an overview of the basic concepts of the Bowen theory
- To enhance awareness and application of systems thinking to our life
- To facilitate participants to learn to define self, and to practice being a “responsible self” in relationships
- To facilitate conceptualization of clinical cases
COURSE CONTENT
- Family as an emotional system and an emotional unit –
- Chronic and acute anxiety
- The two life forces – the force towards togetherness and the force towards individuality – “Why do I have to follow your way? Can’t I have my say and my way of life?”
- The guidance systems for human
- The eight emotional processes –
- Differentiation of self,
- Triangles,
- Nuclear Family Emotional Process,
- Family Projection Process,
- Multigenerational Transmission Process,
- Emotional Cut-off, Sibling position and,
- Societal Emotional Process
- Defining a self in the systems and learning to think system
- Introduction to researching one’s family of origin and drawing a family diagram
Course Details
| Course Code: | BC 61/25 |
| Date & Time: |
Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16 & 23, 2025 (Thurs)
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Total: 6 sessions, 18 hours |
| Fee: | HKD $4,500 (COF Membership: HKD $4,275) |
| Venue: | Hybrid (Zoom + in-person attendance) |
| Target: | Helping professionals and anyone interested in personal and family betterment |
| Instructors: |
Ms. Berenice Lee, M. Counselling Ms. Tobey Tam, M.A.S.W.(FCPFT), R.S.W. |
| Language: | Cantonese supplemented with English |
InstructorS
Ms. Berenice Lee, M. Counselling
Berenice first learned about Bowen family systems theory in her Master of Counselling course in Australia in 2006. She was an active participant in various courses, workshops and conferences with ISSFI since 2010. She is a member of the ISSFI Circle of Friends (COF) Think Tank right from the start and has helped to organize programs for the Circle of Friends and Bowen theory conferences in many ways. Berenice has now joined ISSHK as an Assistant Director of ISSFI in 2018 and is involved in teaching some of the general courses in Bowen theory for the community.
Berenice is a Certified Counsellor & Associate Fellow of the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association (HKPCA). She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, Master of Arts in American Literature and Culture and Master of Counselling. She specializes in marital and family relationship counselling, parental guidance, personal coaching, psychotherapy for individuals, and workplace dynamics.
Ms. Tobey Tam, M.A.S.W. (FCPFT), R.S.W.
Tobey became acquainted with Bowen family system theory during her university years. Subsequently, she pursued further study of Bowen theory at ISSFI. Appreciating that Bowen theory is a theory of wisdom, she strives to practice the theory in her daily life and also clinical work. She specializes in personal growth, trauma work, marital struggles, mental health and grief issues, as well as. family or interpersonal relationship difficulties. She has over 16 years of experience in family counseling, having formerly worked as Senior Social Worker in an Integrated Family Service Centre and as a part-time social work fieldwork supervisor at the University of Hong Kong. Currently, she is studying courses at the Bowen Center in the United States to enhance her understanding and application of the Bowen Family System Theory.
