Couples, Marital and Family Intervention

This course focuses on review and critical analysis of the main theoretical positions and contemporary developments in marital and family intervention in terms of adequacy for practice, empirical basis, and outcome research. Gaps in knowledge will be identified and relevant social science knowledge incorporated. Topics will include contemporary assessment methods and the main models, modes, and methods of marital and family intervention, such as intergenerational, structural, strategic, and behavioral, and narrative approaches. Minority, ethnic, and gender issues; value and ethical concerns; linkages to other intervention levels; and prevention of family dysfunction and enhancement of family competence will be discussed. In addition, students will learn the fundamentals of grant writing as applied to couples, marital, and family issues.