Basic Seminar in Bowen Theory

No Longer Accepting Applications for 2022-2023

September 13 – December 13, 2022; January 10 – April 18, 2023
Tuesdays, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)
Online via Zoom platform*

The Basic Seminar in Bowen Theory is a seven-month intensive program to study the basic assumptions and principles of Bowen’s family systems theory. The focus is on the most fundamental aspects of emotional systems in humans and other living beings.

Readings from the natural sciences that lend support to these core concepts are included.   Classes consist of two parts:

• • • • • Part one: faculty presentations, discussion of reading and writing assignments, and viewing audiovisual resources;
        • Part two: application of the theory to the study of one’s own relationship system—the multigenerational family or other system-with discussion and supervision by faculty.

At year’s end, students will present and submit a written natural system observation project.

The Basic Seminar is designed as a two-year program.   Participants may enroll for additional years following completion of the first year.

*Given current health considerations, the Basic Seminar will run online for the full year via the free Zoom platform, which can easily be downloaded to their personal computers. 

Tuition fee: $1,500.00 per year.  The tuition also covers attendance at the WPFC Fall Symposium and Spring Conference. CEUs: Though not offered for the seminar itself, CEUs are available by attending the WPFC Fall Symposium and Spring Conferences with the addition of an administrative fee for each CEU certificate.

Note: Payment plans are available by contacting WPFC’s Office Administrator info@wpfc.net / (412) 362-2295.

Application Process – 

1. 1. First-time applicants will complete and submit the online Basic Seminar 2022-2023 Application Form  any time before August 23, 2022.
      • The nonrefundable $100 application fee is included at the bottom of the online form in order to reserve a place in the seminar.  This fee will be applied toward tuition, with payment of the tuition balance arranged with the WPFC office (info@wpfc.net).
      • All first-time applicants will have an online meeting with the course organizer.
   2. Learners who attended  the seminar in one or more previous years will complete and submit the Continued Basic Seminar 2022-2023 Application Form any time before August 23, 2022.
      • The nonrefundable $100 application fee is included at the bottom of the form in order to reserve a place in the seminar.  This fee will be applied toward tuition, with payment of the tuition balance arranged with the WPFC office (info@wpfc.net).

Course Organizer: Cynthia Larkby, PhD, ACSW clarkby@icloud.com

Cancellation and Early Course Withdrawal Policy:

Canceling enrollment in or withdrawing early from the Basic Seminar must be communicated in writing to the WPFC main office.  Cancellations submitted prior to the start of the seminar will result only in forfeiture of the nonrefundable $100 application fee.  Notice given of early withdrawal within the first six weeks (Sept 13 – Oct 25) of the seminar will result in a prorated refund, with full payment expected for the first six weeks plus a 20% administrative fee on the remaining weeks of the seminar.  Participants withdrawing after the six-week “drop period” will not receive a refund.

Amounts to be refunded to or still to be paid by the participant will depend on whether the full tuition fee was paid up front or whether other payment arrangements were made. For example, participants in the Basic Seminar who withdraw within the first six weeks will be required to pay $490.00, which reflects a prorated tuition fee covering the first six weeks of the seminar ($262.50) plus a 20% administrative fee based on the balance of the tuition fee for the remaining weeks of the seminar ($227.50). Participants who give notice of early withdrawal within the first six weeks and who have already paid more than $490.00 will be refunded that overage.