Marriage and Family Therapy (DPT, MA, PhD)
MS 5XM5/6XM6
Although this course is primarily about Marriage and Family Therapy, the themes and concepts it explores are relevant for anyone who works with families (e.g., youth workers, pastors, etc.). This course will introduce students to selected theories of marital and family therapy and key intervention methods related to each theoretical orientation. These therapeutic models are examined in terms of their theoretical tenets, views of family functioning and dysfunction, methods of assessment, therapeutic goals, treatment process & techniques, role of the counsellor/therapist and evaluation.
Knowing
- To understand systemic thinking as it applies to marital and family relations.
- To envision strategies for responding to the challenges of marital and family life.
- To be able to reflect on marital and family life using at least two different perspectives.
Being
- To reflect on one’s own experience of marriage and family, how this influences the student, and how it may impact the counselling relationship.
Doing
- To be able to provide a relationship-centred approach to assessment and care that sensitively connects with people and engages them in the healing process.
- To be able to facilitate hope by strengthening relational connections within marital and family systems.
- To be able to support couples and families as they seek reconciliation, learn to resolve conflict, and experience forgiveness.
- To know when and how to make a referral to a qualified counsellor or therapist.