Terri Pilarski, M.Div. MSW has been a student of Bowen theory since 1996. She completed a dual degree program to receive an MSW from Loyola University and an M.Div. from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in 1998/99. She holds a BA in Dance Theater from Columbia College. The hybrid program of the CFC’s Post Graduate Training Program enabled her to complete three years of in-depth study from 2021 to 2024.
When asked what attracted her to Bowen theory she replied, “A brochure from Loyola’s Graduate School of Social Work described the dual degree M.Div/MSW program and included the option for an emphasis on Family Systems for Congregations.” She was immediately intrigued by the idea, thinking that it would afford her an effective skill set for working with people holistically. She is a long-time meditation practitioner and a trained massage therapist who has had a lifelong interest in healthy mind, body, spirit connections. She remains amazed at the impact that simple nudge has had on her life, let alone her vocation, and the people she has worked with.
The Center for Family Consultation has been a terrific resource for the areas of interest that Terri holds while deepening her understanding of Bowen theory. She’s gained insight into organizations through a course with Leslie Fox and Patti Sheridan, Leading a Business in Anxious Times. This course helped her utilize Bowen theory for congregations more effectively than she had previously. Her meditation practice is inspired by the CFC Bowen theory and meditation group. This group explores many avenues of meditation, always with a connection to Bowen theory. As a parish priest Terri has grown in her capacity to adapt to people of different cultures, leading to the development of an intercultural community center at a congregation she served for twelve years. The center was awarded a major grant in 2022 to develop its infrastructure and training materials, which lean into her work with Bowen theory.
Terri is currently the Vicar of two small congregations in Arizona where she continues to explore family systems for congregations. She is an avid knitter, painter, dog walker, and is currently practicing writing Haiku as part of her morning meditation. Married for 39 years with two adult children, two grandchildren, two dogs, and an old cat.
Contact Information
You may contact Terri Pilarski via email using the form below.
