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Advanced Bowen Family Systems Training Project/Workshops
In conjunction with the Western Pennsylvania Family Center, SHSS and the Department of
Family Therapy has teamed up to present a series of Advanced Bowen Family Systems
workshop trainings to members of the South Florida family therapy community, at no cost
to the participants. These workshops are conducted at the training center of the WPFC in
Pittsburgh, Pa., and are simultaneously broadcast electronically to the campus of Nova
Southeastern University. These feature nationally and internationally renowned
practitioners and experts in Bowen Family Systems theory who share their knowledge and
expertise on various areas of family functioning and clinical practice. The electronic format
allows for interactive question and answer sessions with the presenters, and exposes both
students and members of the South Florida family therapy community to gain access to
highly specialized professional resources. After the formal presentations conclude a "locals
only" discussion follows, facilitated by a member of the Department of Family Therapy
faculty.
Brief Therapy Institute and Family Therapy Clinic
The Brief Therapy Institute (BTI) is South Florida’s primary training center for brief
counseling and family therapy, as well as the community service provider for the
Department of Family Therapy. Since 1988, BTI has provided affordable, innovative,
culturally-sensitive counseling services to thousands of tri-county residents of diverse
ethnic and cultural backgrounds, religious affiliations, and sexual orientation.
Located in the Maltz Building on NSU’s main campus, BTI offers individuals, couples, and
families a sliding-fee schedule, convenient times for appointments, and quick access to
therapeutic treatment.
Much of the therapy at BTI is provided by practicum teams, each comprised of an AAMFT
approved faculty member and up to six graduate student therapists. As one of the team
members, a designated primary therapist works directly with the clients, the others join
the supervisor in an observation room behind a one-way mirror. The two rooms are
connected by telephone, so, as the session proceeds, the supervisor and team may call
the therapist, make observations and pose questions.
Such “live supervision” of cases serves multiple purposes. The primary therapist receives
ongoing, immediate feedback on his or her work. Team members behind the mirror are
able to experience the session without having to conduct it, allowing them to learn from an
intense, but non-demanding perspective. The supervisor is able to see clearly what the
therapist is doing and how the clients are responding, making it possible to offer clear and
relevant support and direction. And the clients are able to receive cutting-edge, non-
pathologizing therapeutic involvement from committed professionals, helping them to
resolve personal problems and interpersonal conflicts.
Our advanced doctoral students have an opportunity to participate in a more independent
practicum which offers more flexibility for scheduling and seeing clients while still working
with a supervisor and team. A wide variety of individuals, couples, and families are seen at
BTI. We work closely with our community service providers to become a therapeutic
resource for children and families facing, multiple issues, veterans, couples, and extended
families. Issues may include school-related issues, reunification, substance abuse
