Class Descriptions

Therapy with Couples

SW770

Credits:	1
Prerequisites:	None

Pathway Associations

Community Change
Global
Interpersonal Practice	Elective (Host)
Mgmt & Leadership
Policy & Political
Program Evaluation
Older Adults
Children & Families

Course Description

This mini-class offers students an overview of the field of couple therapy. This course will teach students indications for working with couples in a variety of clinical settings. An array of evidence-based models are introduced. There is a major focus on the John Gottman method given this model is based on research findings and integral to the field of couple treatment. The course reviews other evidence-based models (CBT, behavioral, emotion focused therapy, etc) relevant to working with specific clinical situations (i.e. depression, substance use disorders, medical illness, trauma). Theories will be taught and critiqued. Evidence-based models will be emphasized and models that do not have a research base will be assessed in terms of their efficacy and appropriateness.

This five-week class has a goal of teaching students about the field of couple therapy including discussing indications and contraindications, the essential facets of completing an evaluation and basic treatment techniques (handling of conflict, communication skills training, improving connection, addressing sexual problems, handling the aftermath of infidelity). State of the art, evidence-based practice will be emphasized as related to different settings (i.e. psychiatric, medical, community, substance abuse, geriatric, etc).

The course will address barriers that affect client’s access to care (insurance, health care constraints, other access problems). Poverty, unemployment, illness negatively impact family functioning and seriously erode relationships. Ethnicity, gender, race, class will be addressed as important factors in the models and case presentations. The foremost clinical models will be reviewed with an emphasis on evaluation.

The class content will include non-traditional couples, samesex and transgender couples, interracial/inter-ethnic couples. There will be an emphasis on 2 life-cycle and case vignettes and clinical presentations will reflect the life-span. Interviewing techniques will be practiced in some role plays. Lectures, video-tapes, guest speakers will be integrated throughout the mini-class.

Objectives

Students will be able to :
1. Understand an overview of the field of couple therapy
2. Identify the essentials of the couples therapy evaluation process and be able to conduct an evaluation and develop treatment recommendations
3. Articulate relevant life cycle issues
4. Understand models related to working with non-traditional couples.
5. Gain insight into biases which may impact ability to be neutral in the clinical arena.
6. Exposure to basic techniques that can be utilized in couples therapy

Design

Course content is presented through lectures with case illustrations, role plays, teaching dvds, and readings from the textbook and other articles offered on Canvass course site.

Intensive Focus on Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice (PODS)

The class addresses class, culture, race, gender roles, sexual orientation and how these factors impact a couple’s well-being. The role of the clinician is discussed in every class with special focus on clinician bias and the importance of neutrality. Clinician values and views are reviewed throughout all of the discussions.