Vermont Center for Family Studies
The Wisdom of Bowen Theory: A Professional Training Program
Strengthening Families by Mastering Self
Page 1 of 6
Application for the VCFS Professional Training Program
Please download (in MS Word, as the document will not display properly in Google Docs) and
complete the application by filling in the dedicated fields it contains.
Email your confidential completed application to vcfsapplication@gmail.com.
You may use this e-mail address to contact us with any questions regarding the training program and
the application form and process.
Applications are due by May 15th 2016. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Early acceptance can be arranged for those wishing to confirm plans early.
Once you have submitted your application you will receive an email confirmation.
The application will be reviewed by the program co-directors, and applicants will be notified of their
status by June 15th 2016.
Once an applicant has been accepted, the program tuition of $2,500 will be due in full by July 15th
2016.
Contact Information
Name:
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Address:
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City/ZIP Code:
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Phone (home, work, cell):
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E-mail address:
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Emergency Contact:
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Vermont Center for Family Studies
The Wisdom of Bowen Theory: A Professional Training Program
Strengthening Families by Mastering Self
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Vermont Center for Family Studies
The Wisdom of Bowen Theory: A Professional Training Program
Strengthening Families by Mastering Self
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Personal Facts/Information
Date of Birth / Age:
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Place of Birth:
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Sibling Position:
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Relationship Status:
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Name and Age of Partner /
Spouse:
Children? (If yes, how
many?)
How would you describe
your role in your family?
What amount and quality
of contact do you have
with your nuclear and
extended families?
Please list any serious
illness (physical or
emotional) in yourself or
your family.
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Vermont Center for Family Studies
The Wisdom of Bowen Theory: A Professional Training Program
Strengthening Families by Mastering Self
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Bowen theorists have observed that an eclectic approach is most often a collection of different individual
theory approaches. Bowen theorists recognize that individual theory approaches have value, but the challenge
of learning a systems approach is best met by focusing solely on that for a period of time. Learning and
developing a new way of thinking can be challenging when other dominant messages in psychology are
present. Because of this, we recommend that trainees seriously consider suspending
their current psychotherapy that is based in a different or eclectic theory during their training.
Are you currently in
psychotherapy? If so, what
is the theoretical
orientation of this work
and how has it gotten you
to Bowen Theory?
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Professional & Educational Background
1. Please attach a current resume or curriculum vitae with up to date information. It should
include educational background along with employment history from college to present time, as
well as dates and locations of employment. If your primary responsibilities have been focused on
family and/or raising children please list that along with a brief description of your role and
responsibilities in the family.
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2. Are you currently enrolled in a degree program? If so, please provide details of school and
area of study.
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3. Additional training programs/educational experiences since college or graduate school. (List
intensive/focused trainings only such as a postgraduate program, etc. Please list the name of the
institution, location, dates, and course of study.)
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Vermont Center for Family Studies
The Wisdom of Bowen Theory: A Professional Training Program
Strengthening Families by Mastering Self
Page 5 of 6
Application Questions
1. What is your interest in participating in the VCFS Professional Training Program? How does it
fit with your personal and professional goals?
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2. How have you thought about and understood human behavior/relationships? What theories
or beliefs have influenced your efforts in personal and professional relationships? (Note: Bowen
observed that the thinking of helpers is always based in a theory, though many are not aware of it.
An important task for advanced students of Bowen theory is to understand the theoretical
underpinnings of various ways of looking at a situation.)
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3. Describe an emotionally challenging situation or time in your family and ways that you related
to it. In doing so, provide a brief history of the family including the social factors/stressors
impacting the family. How would you describe the nature of the relationships in the family? What
role and responsibilities do you take on in the family system? What is your level of functioning in
the family? What are ways that you act as a leader in the family system? How does what you do
help or get in the way? How would you like to improve your ability to handle such situations?
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4. Please begin a basic family diagram with data (ages; dates of birth, death,
marriage/relationship, separation, divorce; health) about yourself and your family members. The
diagram should extend back at least to your great-grandparents generation. We are not looking for
a polished or finished product, but rather a serious working draft. A pencil and paper drawing is
advisable, to allow for edits. Here are two links to sites that provide guidance on how to draw a
standard family diagram: http://www.wikihow.com/Make-aGenogram and http://stanfield.pbworks.com/f/explaining_genograms.pdf. When completed, scan
your confidential diagram and email it as an attachment with your application
to vcfsapplication@gmail.com. Alternatively, you may mail a hard copy of your diagram to Michael
Gilman, Optima, 2 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401.
E-mailed
Mailed
Vermont Center for Family Studies
The Wisdom of Bowen Theory: A Professional Training Program
Strengthening Families by Mastering Self
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