Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Arts and Humanities

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

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Ms Joanne Flora MACDONALD

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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 in 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 may impact on their counselling practice with couples and families.

Non Standard Timetable Requirements

This unit runs via 5 full day Saturday workshops.

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

Unit Content

1. The application of psychoanalytic theory (object relations and self psychology), cross-generational, attachment informed and emotionally focused theory to understanding couple and family relationships.
2. Consideration of structure and process in the initial assessment interview(s) with a couple or family.
3. The process of couple and family therapy and phases of work: application of psychodynamic, cross-generational, and emotionally focused theory.
4. Structuring the family therapy session - the "client career", referral and the first interview, assessment and contract negotiation, "resistance" and "stuckness" in relationship work, and termination of therapy.
5. 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.
6. Working through the process of the student's own Family of Origin project.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Theoretical presentations, review of scheduled readings and workshop of case material including experiential learning via role-play and simulations.

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.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

Core Reading(s)

• n.d. (2015). Clinical handbook of couple therapy (Fifth edition.). New York: The Guilford Press.
• Crawley, J., & Grant, J. (2008). Couple therapy: The self in the relationship. London: Palgrave Mcmillan.

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