معلومات المقرر الدراسي

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