Description:
This course presents the theoretical foundation of family counseling and therapy focusing on system approaches. Special attention is given to the dynamics of the Palestinian family, its structure, values, practices and problems that may arise in emergencies. It explores family change and the impact on children's emotions, school performance, family relationships and family health care. Specific strategies for working with families are delineated and their application to various family conditions is demonstrated.
It has been said that all therapy is family therapy. Even when working with individuals we are dealing with the internalized community of others that shaped them and continue to influence their every thought and feeling. This will be a course designed around the concepts of family as a system that powerfully influences, and is influences by, the behavior of individuals within that system. The fundamental concept of general systems theory will be applied to the interactional patterns within families and major theories of family therapy will be explored. Selected topics, controversies, themes and trends in the field of family therapy will be discussed.
Because each student in this class is also a member of a family that has shaped his or her assumptions about reality and relationships, as well as career choices, it is essential that the student recognizes and understand the ongoing influence of family of origin on his or her thoughts, feelings and behavior. Therefore, students will be required to examine their own experiences in their family of origin and their taken-for-granted assumptions about family as an essential prerequisite to being able to understand and intervene in the systemic interactions of other families. The course will be a combination of theoretical and clinical material using cases that the students are working with during residency. The purpose of this class will be best accomplished within a classroom milieu that encourages critical thinking and discussion, open debate and experiential learning.
Course objects:
Upon completion of this class, the student will be able to:
1. List the various forms and types of families.
2. Differentiate between functional/adaptive and dysfunctional/maladaptive families
3. Examine the different forms of family structure and family relations
4. List the different roles of families in maintaining health and prevention of illness
5. explain the underlying tenets of system theory as it applies to family therapy
6. be acquainted with the developmental model of family life and tasks and challenges , and health issues of each stage.
7. realize how families adapt in illness and stressful events and what variables influence family’s resilience.
8. Differentiate between effective and maladaptive family communication patterns
9. Identify the situations in which family therapy or counseling is indicated
10.Classify the different theories of family therapy
11.Describe concepts and theoretical formulation of each family therapy theory
12.Discuss the similarities and differences among the various schools of family therapy theories
13.Describe concepts and theoretical formulation of Experiential /humanistic family therapy theory
14.Describe concepts and theoretical formulation of structural family therapy theory
15.Describe concepts and theoretical formulation of transgenerational family therapy theory
16.Describe concepts and theoretical formulation of solution therapy family therapy
17.Describe concepts and theoretical formulation of strategic family therapy theory
18.Identify therapeutic techniques of each family therapy theory
19.Integrate concepts of family therapy with basic core counseling skills necessary to work with couples and families
20.Communicate effectively with families who need psychotherapy or counseling
21.Adhere to ethical codes when working with families
22.Modify personal style to meet the needs and problems of each family whom he /she is working with
23. assess families and their health conditions ; and their surroundings
24.Construct family genogram
25.Identify different family structures
26. make correct diagnosis for family problems
27. plan therapeutic interventions with families that have psychological or social problem
28. provide family/couple therapy or counseling in the community settings.
29. Choose appropriate therapeutic techniques for family problems
30. Understand principles of working with families with culturally diverse backgrounds
31.Differentiate between family therapy and couple therapy
32.Identify basic principles of working with couples
33. Allocate resources for families who need social or financial help
34. Provide health education and psychoeducation to families who have emotional and social problems
35.Evaluate their own families based on theories and principles of family therapy theories
36.Support families who are underprivileged or need social support
37.Cooperate with other team members and professionals who work with the family
- Teacher: Najah Al-khateeb