Carving Pathways of Understanding
Our Fellowship in Systems Theory
The Center for Family Systems Theory proudly offers an intensive, competitive 6-month Fellowship Program designed to cultivate the next generation of Family Systems thinkers in Western New York.
Program Overview
This cohort-based program establishes a solid foundation in Bowen Family Systems Theory, empowering professionals across various fields to effectively promote and support family systems application in their work. Our fellowship aims to develop more mature and responsible leadership capacity while honoring and advancing the legacy of systems thinking in our region.
The CFST Fellowship is designed for professionals in mental health, counseling, marriage and family therapy, business coaching, clergy and lay leaders, and other professions who provide assistance to individuals and families in the greater WNY area. It provides a framework to understand families as emotional systems, with a special emphasis on the concept of differentiation of self.
Program Structure
- Six monthly sessions: Three in-person (8:30am-12:30pm) and three virtual (9:30am-12:30pm)
- Monthly individual coaching sessions with CFST coaches
- Cohort limited to 10 current or emerging leaders
- Program runs from January 2026 to June 2026
Specific dates:
2026 Dates to be posted by October 9, 2025.
Program Content
Program Content Fellows will engage with:
- In-depth presentations on Bowen Family Systems Theory and its eight primary concepts
- Analysis of relevant case studies
- Leadership and communication skills development
- Real-time practice opportunities
- Creation of family diagrams
- Identification and management of emotional triangles
- Understanding of individuality and togetherness factors in relationship systems
- Collaborative planning for the 3rd Annual Father Robert Perelli Family Systems Conference in WNY (October 2025)
Applications Available
October 9, 2025
Applications will be available for the 2026 Fellowship Program on October 9, 2025. Please email amie@cfstwny.org with questions about the application process.
Eligibility and Application
This is a competitive program designed for committed individuals ready to deepen their understanding and application of Family Systems Theory. Applicants must:
- Have a minimum of 3 years direct helping experience
- Demonstrate professional maturity and readiness to deepen understanding of family systems theory
- Be current or emerging leaders in their field
- Be recommended and supported by an agency or home site supervisor
- Be willing to participate in all group meetings and monthly coaching sessions
- Be prepared to contribute to the annual conference planning and presentation
Selection Process
Qualified applicants will undergo an application interview process to ensure the best fit for this intensive program. Applications for the January 2026 cohort will be available in October 2025. Sign up below to be notified when the application is available.
Benefits of Participation
By participating in this fellowship, you’re not only investing in your professional development but also in the future of Family Systems Theory application in Western New York. Graduates of this program will:
- Be at the forefront of systems thinking in our region, equipped to lead and inspire others
- Have a capacity to observe how emotional systems function and provide responsible leadership
- Be eligible to apply for scholarship support to attend next-level training at the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family
- Report significantly more satisfaction and success in their professional and personal lives
