Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School: Psychology and Social Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Psychodynamic Theories of Couples and Family Therapy

• Unit Code

  COU6403

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit provides a critical analysis of psychodynamically oriented theoretical approaches to couples and family therapy. In addition to the principles of these approaches, focus is on the rationale for using particular interventive strategies with a number of problems commonly presenting for couple or family therapy. Students are provided with an opportunity to study aspects of their own family of origin and the ways in which this impacts on their practice as a counsellor with couples and families.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 2 units from COU5303, COU6121

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded COU6402

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Critically analyse and apply theory to the assessment, formulation and conceptualisation of psychotherapy structure and process with couples and families.
2. Formulate rationale for the adoption of a particular psychotherapy stance when considering case material.
3. Formulate understanding of their own family of origin and the ways in which this may impact their practice as a couple and family counsellor.
4. Plan intervention responses which demonstrate a critical understanding of the dynamics of couple/family relationships in cases presenting with a number of frequently encountered difficulties, including domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, and blended family adjustment difficulties, and indicate how such an understanding of relationship dynamics will influence the choice of interventive strategy.
5. Synthesise key principles and processes identified with of psychoanalytically informed, cross-generational, and emotionally focussed approaches to couple and family therapy practice.

Unit Content

1. Consideration of structure and process in the initial assessment interview(s) with a couple or family.
2. Structuring the family therapy session: the "client career"; referral and the first interview;assessment and contract negotiation;"resistance" and "stuckness" in relationship work; termination of therapy.
3. The application of psychoanalytic theory (object relations and self psychology); cross-generational, attachment and emotionally focussed theory to understanding couple and family relationships.
4. The dynamics of issues of couples and family therapy including; Domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, working with polarised couples, extra-marital affairs, sexual difficulties in the context of couples therapy and the re-married couple and step-family systems.
5. The process of couple and family therapy and phases of work; application of psychodynamic, cross-generational, and emotionally focussed theory.
6. Working through the process of the student's own Family of Origin project.

Additional Learning Experience Information

The unit will involve the presentation of theoretical material, review and workshop of case material. Experiential learning includes the use of role-play and simulations. The second assignment/major project explores aspects of the student's family of origin experience as a source for understanding family dynamics.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Crawley, J., & Grant, J. (2008). Couple therapy: The self in the relationship. London: Palgrave Mcmillan.
• Cassidy, J. & Shaver, P. R. (2008). Handbook of attachment: theory, research, and clinical applications (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press.
• Wetchler, J. L. (Ed.). (2011). Handbook of clinical issues in couple therapy (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Brunner-Routledge
• Solomon, M.F., & Siegel, D.J. (Eds.). (2003). Healing trauma: Attachment, mind, body and brain. New York: Norton.
• Scharff, J.S. & Scharff, D.E. (Eds.). (2006). New paradigms for treating relationships. Lanham, Maryland: Jason Aronson.
• Johnson, S. M. (2003). The practice of emotionally focused couple therapy: Creating connection. New York: Taylor & Francis.
• Clulow, C. (Ed.) (2001). Adult attachment and couple psychotherapy: The "secure base" in practice and research. London: Brunner Routledge.
• Framo, J. (1992). Family-of-origin therapy: An intergenerational approach. New York: Brunner/Mazel.
• Furrow, J.L., Johnson, S.M. & Bradley, B. A. (Eds.). (2011). The emotionally focused casebook; New directions in treating couples. New York: Taylor & Francis.
• Greenberg, L.S., & Goldman, R. N. (2008). Emotion-focused couples therapy: The dynamics of emotion, love, and power. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association,
• Gurman, A.S. (Ed.). (2008). Clinical handbook of couple therapy (4th ed.). Guildford Press: New York.

Journal References

• Psychoanalytic Dialogues
• Journal of Family Therapy
• Attachment and Human Development
• Psychoanalytic Psychology
• The American Journal of Family Therapy

^ Mandatory reference

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