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Foundations Fellowship

Opportunity Overview

The Center for Family Systems Theory offers an intensive, competitive 6-month Foundations Fellowship Program designed to cultivate the next generation of Bowen Family Systems thinkers in Western New York. This cohort-based program establishes a solid foundation in Bowen Family Systems Theory, empowering professionals to effectively apply family systems principles in their work while developing mature, responsible leadership capacity.

Who Should Participate

The CFST Fellowship is designed for professionals in mental health, counseling, marriage and family therapy, and other helping professions serving individuals and families in the greater WNY area. The program provides a framework to understand families as emotional systems, with special emphasis on differentiation of self.

Program Value & Experience

Participants will gain comprehensive Bowen Family Systems Theory education through presentations on the eight primary concepts, practical application through case studies and family diagram creation, and leadership development designed to enhance capacity for responsible leadership in emotional systems. The program includes monthly individual coaching sessions with experienced CFST coaches, systems thinking skills development focused on individuality and togetherness factors, and an opportunity to present at CFST’s annual conference.

Fellows join a select cohort of up to 10 committed professionals, creating lasting professional relationships and ongoing peer support. Graduates report significantly enhanced capacity to observe how emotional systems function, increased professional and personal satisfaction through improved understanding of relationship systems, and eligibility for scholarship support to attend advanced training in Bowen Family Systems Theory. Participants become leaders at the forefront of systems thinking in the region, equipped to inspire others and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of family systems thinking in Western New York.

Eligibility Requirements

This competitive program is designed for committed individuals ready to deepen their understanding and application of Bowen Family Systems Theory. Applicants must:

  • Have a minimum of 3 years of 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 annual conference planning and presentation
Investment & Scholarship Opportunities

Program Cost: $1,500 per participant
Scholarship Availability: Full scholarships are available through the generous support of CFST donors. Most participants and their employers do not pay out of pocket to attend this program.
Scholarship Eligibility: Scholarships are offered for individuals who are:

  • Employed by non-profit organizations
  • Providing services in community-based healthcare settings
  • Otherwise serving in community-focused helping roles

The scholarship program reflects CFST’s commitment to making high-quality family systems education accessible to those serving our community’s most important needs.

Please contact Amie Post at amie@cfstwny.org with questions.

Program Logistics

In person gatherings on Tuesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Buffalo, NY

2026-2027 Curriculum

  • January 12: What is Family Systems Thinking and Why does it Matter?
  • February 9: The Family as a Unit: Evolving Over Time
  • March 9: Differentiation of Self: A Way To Observe, Regulate and Relate
  • April 13: Anxiety and Automatics – Persistent Patterns in the Family
  • May 11: Anxiety and Automatics – The Triangle Pattern
  • June 8: Moving toward Maturity in Relationships

Selection Process

Qualified applicants will undergo an application interview process to ensure the best fit for this program. This competitive selection process evaluates professional experience, leadership potential, and commitment to applying family systems theory in work and community.

Application Timeline

  • Applications Open: October 23, 2026
  • Applications Close: TBD
  • Cohort Selection Complete: TBD