Theory and Practice of Family Therapy (part 1)/Family Therapy Theory

In this module you will synthesise theoretical and practical contributions from various systemic models of therapy with your pre-existing expertise to conceptualise the needs of families and to formulate the most effective response to them. You will also integrate your knowledge and skills from the previous subjects in this course.

Objectives

1. Differentiate the unique concepts and processes of the various models of family therapy and adapt these as appropriate to your practice with families
2. Critique the various models of family therapy especially from a feminist and postmodern perspective
3. Assess which features of the various models most suit the therapeutic needs of different presenting problems and family styles

Assignments

• one 1000 word essay exploring the differing implications of working from a systemic or a lineal perspective
• one 2000 word essay

Topics, Activities and Resources

• Lecture/seminars on family therapy models from the 1950s to current day adaptations.
• Role play and/or live or video demonstration of the models.
• Class discussion about contemporary adaptations
• Lecture/seminars on feminism and postmodern developments in family therapy
• Class discussion
• Lectures including evaluation of the various factors that contribute to effective practice.
• Case analyses