The Voyagers are offering two workshops on Bowen Theory to the Albuquerque Community. These are designed for leaders of many kinds: from congregations, to businesses, to organizations, to families.
Being a leader often is exhilarating, fulfilling, challenging, and, yes, at times painful and confusing. If one is a leader, there is a group of people involved. If there are people involved, there are relationships, and relationships, while necessary and wonderful, also are complex and challenging.
Bowen Family Systems Theory has been helpful for many leaders as they navigate multiple relationship systems. It offers a way of seeing and thinking about relationships that allows leaders to function more calmly and maturely in the face of complexity and anxiety. There is a rub, though: Bowen Theory does not offer a quick fix. It invites and, in fact, it requires, looking at one’s self as well as the larger system. It takes time. And sometimes it gets uncomfortable and even painful. Years ago, in a very popular song, Carly Simon sang, “I haven’t got time for the pain.” Perhaps, though, making time for the challenge and pain of growth is worth it.
You are invited to delve deeper into Bowen Theory, leadership and growth in workshops offered by the Voyagers, a group of faith leaders who have worked with Bowen Theory for over 20 years. Our guest presenter for this event is Kathy Wiseman.
A business advisor and member of the faculty of the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family, Ms. Wiseman grounds her work in Bowen Family Systems Theory. Her professional experience over the last 30 years has focused on being a strategic thought partner to family enterprises, foundations, offices and families of wealth. In recent years, she has consulted with the Systems Academy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). With her deep knowledge of Bowen theory, Ms. Wiseman is a thoughtful and engaging presenter of the theory and ways it is helpful for businesses, families, and congregations.
An Introduction to Bowen Theory, is offered on Wednesday, October 12, from 9:30 – 3:30, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 431 Richmond Place NE, Albuquerque. The morning includes sessions on Basics of Bowen Theory, Bowen Theory Applied, and Developing a Family Diagram. The afternoon includes A Taste of Family of Origin Work, and a Closing Conversation. Whether you are new to Bowen Theory, or looking for a quick refresher, this workshop will prepare you for the Thursday presentation.
Bowen Theory in Life and Work: Have I Got Time for the Pain?, Kathy Wiseman, presenter, is offered on Thursday, October 13, from 9:30 – 3:30 at the Albuquerque Museum of Art, 2000 Mountain Rd., NW, Albuquerque. Drawing on her deep experience with work and family systems, Kathy will illustrate the helpfulness and challenges of thinking through the lens of this theory. She will consider successes as well as failures in her own journey, and there will be time for you to consider how you might apply Bowen Theory in your own life and work.
Registration begins at 9:00 each day. Come enjoy a cup of coffee and meet a few people before we begin at 9:30. Lunch is included. The cost for one day is $100. The cost for both days is $175.
To register, click here.