PSY 723 - Couple & Family Ther Appr I

3
Prerequisites: PSY-600. This course introduces students to the major and evolving family and couples models. It will focus on theory and conceptualization, understanding the etiology and maintenance of presenting issues, basic techniques, and evidence-based applications for various models. The course will address issues of prevention, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, and culture as well as the family life cycle, family organization, and the impact of significant events, such as divorce, domestic violence, and infidelity. Topics in the course include the history of family therapy and its integration with clinical psychology; comparison between individual-level and family-level conceptualization; genogram development and application; assessment of families and couples; foundational family systems concepts including group dynamics; and basic skills according to various approaches. Theoretical models of family dynamics and therapy will include attachment theory, Lewin’s Field Theory, cybernetics, Bowenian, structural, strategic, experiential (Whitaker and Satir), and emotionally focused therapy (EFT).

Prerequisites: Students must take MAC-472 PCO-472 PSY-600 or be approved for a waiver of prerequisites before registering for this course.