Elevator Systems - Bowen Family Systems Theory S4 Ep3 Artificial Intelligence with Dr. Patrick Stinson
Mar 31, 2026
Dr. Patrick Stinson, a psychologist and AI engineer who built the Family Diagram App and studies Bowen theory with 25 years of software architecture experience. He discusses using AI to formalize Bowen concepts, how society emotionally reacts to new technology, workplace chaos around AI mandates, tools like timelines and diagrams, and why thinking for yourself matters when engaging with AI.
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AI Lets Bowen Theory Run Outside The Head
- Bowen theory is a conceptual model that runs in clinicians' heads and makes predictions about family emotional process.
- Patrick Stinson says AI now allows that mental model to be run formally outside the head, enabling systematic research and testing.
AI As A New Event In Societal Emotional Process
- Bowen's societal emotional process frames AI as a new event that triggers predictable cascades of anxiety and adaptation across families and organizations.
- Katie White emphasizes variation: some respond with panic, others with calm, thoughtful engagement.
Understand The AI Tools You Use
- Learn enough about the specific AI tools you use before relying on them so you avoid ethical or practical errors.
- Patrick Stinson suggests hands-on play and accessible resources like YouTube to start, while acknowledging many won't deep-dive.