On Friday 9th December 2005 International Guest Presenter: James Smith with over 30 years experience in Bowen Family Systems Theory, presented a half day seminar on understanding triangles in the therapist's own family.

James Smith is one of the founders of the Western Pennsylvania Family Centre in Pittsburgh where he is currently faculty director.

The presentation grew out of James Smith's completion of a book chapter on his application of theory to understanding triangles in his family of origin.

During his years of clinical and training practice he has made a consistent effort to better regulate himself in his personal and professional relationships. Central to this endeavor has been the ongoing research of his family. He operates on the assumption that knowing current triangles in a family allows one to predict and identify future and past triangles; and knowing past triangles in a family permits one to predict current and future triangles.

In this presentation, James described his effort to:

• Work toward person to person relationships with extended family members
• Become a better observer and manage reactivity in self
• De-triangle self from emotional situations

Speaker information: James B. Smith, MS

A native Californian and graduate of George Williams College in Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Smith is interested in the clinical application of Bowen theory, its contribution to the field of psychology, and the place of Bowen theory in the history of western thought.

He pursued doctoral studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and received training and taught courses in Bowen family systems theory at the Family Therapy Institute at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

A licensed psychologist, he is clinical director of Family Connections, Inc, in Weirton, West Virginia, and maintains a part-time private practice. He is a founder of The Western Pennsylvania Family Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is currently its faculty director.

Founded in 1985 the WPFC is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary.

The Center's vision is to be the recognized and utilized regional source of information about Bowen theory, an innovative set of ideas about the evolution of humankind and human relationships, and to stimulate actions which flow from these ideas.

Following the presentation, James Smith facilitated questions and discussion.