National Gathering 2009

Triune Brain Theory: New Terrain for the Brain

Honoring the work and memory of Dr. Paul D. MacLean

October 12-14, 2009

Bon Secours Spiritual Center
1525 Marriottsville Road
Marriottsville, Maryland

About The National Gathering

The 11th Annual National Gathering is part of the commitment that Healthy Congregations, Inc., maintains to provide opportunities for growth in understanding and perspective around systems theory, emotional process, family and congregational life. Begun as an enrichment opportunity for Healthy Congregations facilitators, the National Gathering it is now open to all who would like to expand their ability to apply principles of thinking about self, family and workplace.

The year’s theme is “New Terrain for the Brain.” Honoring the work of Dr. Paul MacLean, who pioneered the perspective on the brain as triune, this conference brings together leading researchers in Bowen family systems theory and expanding understanding of the function and capacity of the brain and its relationship to connections, community and core values.

In addition to our keynote program, Dr. Emlyn Ott, Executive Director of Healthy Congregations, will be offering a presentation on Monday.

Keynote Speakers

Rev. Gina Gilland Campbell serves as adjunct faculty at both the Edwin Friedman Center for Family Process in Bethesda, Maryland and at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. An ordained United Methodist clergywoman, Rev. Campbell received her education at Duke University (A.B. 1977, magna cum laude and with distinction in religion) and the Candler School of Theology of Emory University (M.Div., 1981, cum laude). Before coming to the Center and the Seminary, Reverend Campbell served as a local church lay educator, on the state of the Southwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church, and as a congregational pastor.

Dr. Daniel Papero is a featured presenter nationally and internationally. He is on staff at the Georgetown Family Center and the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family where he is supervisor of faculty in training. He founded and currently administers and leads a seminar for advanced thinkers and clinicians in the areas of family therapy, clinical practice and research in human behavior. He has several publications on topics related to family and individual psychotherapy, relationships, the role of emotion and other related topics.

Rev. Dr. Robert I. Mathis has studied Bowen theory at the Bowen Center in the Postgraduate Program (Washington, DC) and e Western Pennsylvania Family Center and has a Ph.D. in Psychology with a specialization in Bowen theory from the Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Mathis is an ordained minister in the Church of God. He serves on the Board of Directors of Healthy Congregations, Inc., and is an adjunct professor for Warner University. Currently, he has a pastoral counseling practice in Dublin, Ohio, and also provides family systems coaching for leaders in businesses and non-pro t organizations.

Priscilla J. Friesen, LICSW serves on the faculty of the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family where she has been associated since 1978. She worked closely with Murray Bowen and with Lilian Rosenbaum to establish the Biofeedback Program there. She was an early pioneer in the applications of neurofeedback in psychotherapy based in Bowen theory. Ms. Friesen directed the Postgraduate Program at BCSF from 1990 - 2003. She established e Learning Space in Washington, DC, where she conducts a private practice and hosts educational programs based upon her work with Bowen family systems theory, the brain, physiology and neurofeedback.

Joint Venture

This year, we welcome an opportunity for two groups who are involved in Bowen family systems theory exploration to come together for an evening and morning of continuing education. The “Voyagers” began as students of Rabbi Edwin Friedman at the Center for Family Process in Bethesda, Maryland. Interested in taking the principles learned from Dr. Friedman and continuing their exploration, this “band of seekers and learners” gather at least twice a year to meet and exchange research and experience. We welcome their presence with us on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning during the 11th Annual National Gathering of Healthy Congregations.

Venue

This year’s gathering will be held at the Bon Secours Spiritual Center, Marriottsville, Maryland (near Baltimore).

Lodging and Registration

Lodging and all meetings for this year’s National Gathering will be held at Bon Secours Spiritual Center in Marriosville, Maryland. The cost for the event includes the total event package of lodging, meals, meetings and event activities from Monday dinner through Wednesday lunch. Each guest room is equipped with broadband Internet access.

Located just off Route 70 at the border of Howard and Carroll Counties in south central Maryland, Bon Secours Spiritual Center is easily accessible to the Baltimore/Washington Region. The Spiritual Center sits at the highest point of 313 acres of pastures and woodlands adjacent to Patapsco State Park and commands spectacular views of some of Maryland’s most beautiful countryside. Bon Secours has several hiking trails for your enjoyment as well as a fitness center with workout equipment.

For participants who fly into BWI airport, Airport Shuttle Service is available for travel from the airport to Bon Secours Spiritual Center. They suggest contacting them 24 hours before your arrival to schedule shuttle service.

Contact Information:
Airport Shuttle Service
Phone: 800-776-0323
Website: www.theairportshuttle.com

Golf Outing Opportunities

One of the more beloved traditions of the National Gathering is the golf outing. We are pleased to continue this annual tradition of an informal golf outing in conjunction with the National Gathering.

Golf is arranged for:
Sunday, October 11th; 1:30 p.m. Tee time
Monday, October 12th; 7:30 a.m. Tee time
Wednesday, October 14th; 1.30 p.m. Tee time
These will be on three different courses

Anyone interested is required to RSVP no later than 14 days in advance so we can make the tee times. For more information and to RSVP contact Ernie Rex

Healthy Congregations, Inc.