FFRN Professional Lecture Series



We are pleased to introduce a new opportunity for learning, exploration, and conversation through FFRN.

The FFRN Professional Lecture Series offers one-off lectures and multi-part series exploring ideas, research, and applications informed by Bowen Family Systems Theory.

The series provides opportunities to engage with a range of perspectives, examine both foundational concepts and emerging questions, and deepen understanding of systems thinking through thoughtful inquiry and discussion.

Presentations will be offered by members of the FFRN Board as well as invited researchers, clinicians, educators, and other systems thinkers.

Our Inaugural Series:

Families, Physics, and Natural Systems: Viewing Bowen Theory Through a Quantum Lens presented by Dr. Chris Burnett

Oct 21 / Nov 18 / Dec 16 • 6:00-7:30 PM • Online



A recording of the lectures will be made available to registrants who are unable to attend live.

FFRN Family Physics Natural Systems Flyer

Natural Systems thinking is the foundation upon which Bowen Family Systems Theory was built. Yet there are many ways to think about what natural systems are and how they work.

This 3-part lecture series takes a fresh look at the biologically rooted concepts Bowen used to describe human relationship dynamics, and explores:

  • How these concepts can be usefully re-examined through the view of nature offered by quantum mechanics
  • How this perspective can inform clinicians’ everyday, real-world practice
Dr. Chris Burnett is a Clinical Professor of Psychology at Nova Southeastern University. He has been a student of Bowen theory since 1983 and has been applying and teaching it in clinical, academic and organizational settings ever since. His current work seeks to expand the natural systems framework upon which Bowen’s theory was built.

Lecture 1: October 21
The Emotional System as Multigenerational Energy Distribution

Explore the emotional system across generations as patterns of energy distribution—informed by quantum connectedness and emergence.

Lecture 2: November 18
Chronic Anxiety as Relationship Energy

Reframe chronic anxiety as the experience of disrupted energy flow in relationships—and learn how quantum perspectives deepen understanding and clinical intervention

Lecture 3: December 16
Emotional Triangles as Relationship Energy Regulation

Understand emotional triangles as natural regulatory systems that manage relational energy—with insights from quantum systems and field dynamics