Aurora pastor to teach problem-solving system
The Rev. John Bell, pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Aurora, will offer "Basic Course in Bowen Family Systems Theory," nine monthly sessions starting Sept. 16.
The public is invited. Admission and parking are free.
Sessions will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month, September through May 2020, at the church, 14 N. May St. in Aurora.
Bell said, "Bowen theory is an alternative to conventional approaches to solving problems in families, organizations, or society. It is an opportunity to learn and use Bowen theory in one's own family and other organizations and fields of work.
"Each session will focus on theoretical concepts and the ways they are learned through the study of one's own family and through applications in various fields."
Dr. Murray Bowen (1913-1990), an American psychiatrist and a professor at Georgetown University, was among pioneers of family therapy and a noted founder of systemic therapy, which he developed in the 1950s.
Students will be expected to purchase Bowen's "Family Therapy in Clinical Practice" and "The Family Diagram and Family Research" by Victoria Harrison. Bowen's book is $68 from Amazon.com and Harrison's book is $20.
Bell said the course will provide theoretical and experiential groundwork for changes in a system that occur based on a family member or leaders working on differentiation.
According to Bell, Dr. Bowen defined differentiation as working on one's self, controlling self, becoming a more responsible person, and permitting others to be themselves.
Bell is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, where he has served for 25 years. Additionally, he is a faculty member for the Center for Family Consultation and has taught and applied Bowen Family System Theory principles for more 20 years.
Bell finished a three-year postgraduate program in Bowen Family Systems Theory and its applications at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family at the Georgetown Family Center in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his church service, his effort to understand Bowen theory continues through research, writing, blogging, teaching, conferences and coaching individuals, families and congregations. An Aurora resident, Bell is married with three children.
To register, or for more information, call (630) 896-1033 or email revjohnbell@gmail.com.