MFT6203
Treatment of Contemporary Issues for Couples and Families
Beginning with a comprehensive review of the major models of couple and family therapy, this course will address the application of these theories to the treatment of complex issues faced by contemporary couples and families. Students will enhance their understanding of the ways in which families and couples are influenced by various cultural contexts, including race, ethnicity, gender, religious background, primary language, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. The course will address contemporary trends in couples and family treatment which seek to adapt these methods to better serve single-parent, blended, immigrant, foster, or adoptive family systems. Students will consider such issues as intimate partner violence, sexual difficulties, chronic illness, abuse, addiction, divorce, immigration, family life cycle transitions, infertility, and cultural changes. Finally, the course will explore ways in which the practice of couples and family therapy is being shaped by societal forces, including managed care, financial pressures, and varying attitudes toward therapy within specialized populations.t of the field.
7 weeks, 3 units