Counseling 554Couples Therapy |
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Fall 1997
DESCRIPTION This course, intended for MFT graduate students who have received some prior instruction in systemic thinking, presents both theory and clinical application in couples therapy. Students will have the opportunity to participate in experiential exercises which simulate aspects of couple interaction and therapeutic intervention. FORMAT For the first two-thirds of the course there will be lecture, videotapes, discussion, and role-play exercises that illustrate aspects of the course content. In addition, during the last third of the course, students will present and answer questions on their own models of couple therapy (see FINAL PROJECT). MID-TERM PROJECT: (Due October 22) This paper should focus on one specific problem or issue which a couple might bring to therapy. This example may be based on your own work, personal awareness, or fiction. Your task is to describe how clinical treatment might proceed. You are to describe: a) the problem, b) the goals, c) the treatment plan, d) the intervention(s), including mention of the model(s) from which it [they] are derived, and e) the role of the therapist. The project should include an integration and synthesis of the course readings and, additionally, a search of the relevant literature (a minimum of three references cited in the body of your paper and included in a References section at the end of your paper). Use the literature to substantiate your rationale for your treatment plan and interventions. The paper needs to be typed, double-spaced, should not exceed 12 pages, and be written in accordance with APA guidelines. FINAL PROJECT PAPER: (Due December 10) The focus of the Final Project is to develop your own model of couples therapy. This does not mean that you must come up with unique model, only that you synthesize elements of existing models that suit your interests, match your temperament, and appeal to you as useful. From your research of the literature, class experiences, your own beliefs about couples and change, and your own values, develop and substantiate your model. There is no limit on the length of this paper, although it is unlikely that more than 20 pages will be needed to expound your model. In preparation for writing your paper you will be scheduled to present the gist of your model and answer questions for a scheduled 15-minute period during the last six weeks of class. This presentation is not graded; it is your opportunity to get helpful feedback for your final project from your peers and to learn about the approaches of interest to your classmates. TOPICAL OUTLINE
GRADING Students are expected to attend all classes, to participate in class discussions and at least some role-playing, and to complete readings and assignments on time. Your final grade will be based upon the mid-term project (30%), the final project (50%), and your class participation (20%). Grading:
REQUIRED TEXTS: N. Jacobson & A. Gurman (Eds.) (1995). Clinical Handbook of Couple Therapy. New York:Guilford Press. [J/G] Dym, B. (1995). Readiness and Change in Couple Therapy. New
York: BasicBooks. [D]
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