Basic Seminar in Bowen Theory

Currently Accepting Applications for 2027

January 5 – June 29, 2027
Tuesdays, 6:00–8:30 p.m. EST

Online via Zoom platform
Seven-month intensive program

The Basic Seminar is a seven-month intensive program to study the core concepts of Bowen’s Family Systems theory and their application. The curriculum is designed for both those new to the theory and for those who have had prior exposure to the theory through course work or consultation. The seminar’s focus is on the most fundamental aspects of emotional systems in humans and other living beings. Emphasis is given to understanding theoretical concepts and their application in personal and professional life. Learning opportunities include faculty presentations, class discussion, reading and writing, viewing audiovisual materials, applying the theory through study of one’s own relationship system (family, workplace, or community), and completing an observation project on non-human life forms.

The program is appropriate for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge about the predictability of human behavior and relationship systems, including clinicians, clergy, organizational and community leaders, as well as those interested in applying Bowen theory in their personal lives and relationships.

The Basic Seminar is designed to support continued study over multiple years. Participants may enroll for additional years after completing their first year.

Weekly classes consist of two sections, separated by a 10-minute break:

• • Part one: faculty presentations, student questions, and discussion of reading and writing assignments.
  • Part two: application of the theory to the study of one’s own relationship system (family, workplace, community), with discussion and supervision by faculty.

In consultation with the course organizer, students will select a personal research topic involving      observation  of a non-human living system consisting of three or more nonhuman organisms of the same kind.   A written summary of their observations, exploration of the topic, and thoughts about the emotional processes they may have observed is to be submitted to the course organizer. Students will present a summary of their research project to the seminar group and faculty at year’s end.

Tuition

$1500.00  – The Basic Seminar tuition includes a one-year subscription to Family Systems: A Journal of Natural Systems Thinking in Psychiatry and the Sciences, offered at the final class.

Note: Payment plans are available by contacting the WPFC Administrator, Rebecca Keller (info@wpfc.net).

Application Process

• • First-time applicants will complete and submit the online Basic Seminar 2027 Application form any time before November 30, 2026.
  • Students who attended the seminar in one or more previous years will complete and submit the Continued Basic Seminar 2027 Application Form any time before November 30, 2026.

A non-refundable $100 application fee must be submitted with the seminar application form. This fee will be applied toward tuition, with payment of the tuition balance arranged with the WPFC Office Administrator, Rebecca Keller (info@wpfc.net).

Prior to being accepted, all applicants will schedule an online meeting with the course organizer (Cynthia Larkby, PhD, ACSW).

Cancellation and Early Course Withdrawal Policy

Canceling enrollment in or withdrawing early from the Basic Seminar must be communicated in writing to the Faculty Director, Cynthia Larkby, PhD). 

• • Cancellations submitted prior to the start of the seminar will result only in forfeiture of the nonrefundable $100 application fee.
  • Students who withdraw during the first six weeks (January 5–February 9, 2027) of the seminar will be responsible for the  tuition covering those six weeks plus an administrative fee equal to 20% of  tuition for the remaining weeks.
  • Participants withdrawing after the six-week “drop period” will not receive a refund.