ISS Family Institute (ISSFI) was founded in October, 2002 to enhance the functioning of individuals, families and the society through the learning and practice of Bowen family systems theory (or Bowen theory). It provides training, consultation and supervision services for helping professionals, as well as educational programmes, and counselling services for the Hong Kong community. Bowen theory views the family as an emotional system governed by emotional forces common in other forms of natural life. It provides a unique approach to solving human problems. It offers strategies to enhance the individual’s capacity to manage self in his/her relationship systems.

Guided by Bowen family systems theory, The ISS Family Institute provides training, consultation and supervision services for helping professionals, as well as educational programmes, and counseling services for the community of Hong Kong.

The ISS Family Institute is self-financed.  Its operating expenses are supported by fees from counselling service and training programmes, sale of publication and video recordings.

The Family Institute endeavours to promote a new way of seeing human relationships, changing self and developing  a “responsible I” as pathways for creating effective interpersonal relationships and a healthy society. 

The mission of the ISS Family Institute is:

• To advance the understanding of Bowen family systems theory in Hong Kong and the Asian cultural context through training programs, conferences, counselling services, and publications.
• To enhance individual functioning and human relationships through effective use of Bowen family systems theory.
• To promote the application of Bowen family systems theory in family life, organizations, work place, religious groups, and family counselling.