| CODE | FSD5112 | ||||||||
| TITLE | Current Theoretical Debates in Family and Couple Therapy and Systemic Consultation | ||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | ||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 7 | ||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 5 | ||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Child and Family Studies | ||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit will cover topics such as the recent developments in the conceptualization of an integrative systemic model that brings together concepts such as attachment theory and narrative therapy into a more unified model of family therapy. This unit will dedicate a substantial amount of time to couple therapy with a focus on infidelity, culture, intercultural issues, gender/same sex couples, as well as sex therapy, all of which are very relevant themes for those interested in developing further their work with couples. Working with families using attachment narratives also forms part of the focus of this unit as well as exposure to court and separation-related issues. In addition, another theme will be that of parenting in the context of poverty, in adverse circumstances as well as co-parenting and working with children. Study-unit Aims: This study-unit aims to enhance students' awareness and critical thinking about current theoretical debates being discussed in the academic field. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Demonstrate a good knowledge of the current theoretical debates in systemic practice; - Locate the historical influences from which these new debates have emanated. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Apply their new learning to their work contexts e.g. they would be able to develop their practice using current trends in assessing families and family dynamics; - Reflect on their family therapy skills in a way to critically evaluate it in light of the new debates on systemic psychotherapy practice. References: Main Text: - Abela, A., & Walker, J. (2014). contemporary Issues in Family Studies: Global perspectives on partnerships, parenting and support in a changing world. USA. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Supplementary Readings: - Abela, A., Farrugia,R., Galea, M., & Schembri,D. (2012) The relationship between parents and their adolescent children with special reference to consensual and contentious separations International Journal of Jurisprudence and the Family 3, 111 -143. - Balfour, A., Morgan, M., & Vincent, C. (2012) (Eds). How Couple Relationships Shape our World: Clinical Practice, Reserach, and Policy Perspectives. London. Karnac Books. - Beck, M., Friedlander, M. L. & Escudero, V. (2006). Three perspectives on clients’ experiences of the therapeutic alliance: A discovery-oriented Invinvestigation. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 32(3), 355 – 368. - Becvar, D.S., & Becvar R.J (2008). Family Therapy: A systemic integration. (7th Ed.). Boston: Pearson Education Inc. - Dallos, R. (2006). Attachment Narrative therapy: Integrating narrative, systemic and Attachment therapies. London: Open University Press. - Dallos, R. & Draper R. (2009). Introduction to family therapy. (3rd Ed) London: Open University Press. - Flaskas, C. (2010). Frameworks for Practice in the Systemic Field: Part 1 Continuities and Transitions in Family Therapy Knowledge. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of family therapy, Vol. 31, 3, pp. 232-247. - Flaskas, C. (2011). Frameworks for Practice in the Systemic Field: Part 2 Contemporary frameworks in family therapy. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of family therapy, Vol. 32, 2, pp. 87-108. - Fife, S. T., Weeks, G. R., & Stellberg- Fillbert, J. Facilitating Forgiveness in the treatment of infidelity: an interpersonal model. Journal of Family Therapy, 35(4), 343- 367. - Gunsberg L. & Hymowitz P. (Eds.) (2005). A Handbook of Divorce and Custody: Forensic, Developmental and Clinical Perspectives. London: The Analytical Press. - Hill, J., Fonagy, P., Safier, E., & Sargent, J. (2003) The ecology of attachment in the family. Family Process Vol. 42, No. 2, pp.205-221. - McHale, J.P. & Lindahl, K.M. (2011). Coparenting: A conceptual and clinical examination of family systems. Washington D.C. American Psychological Association. - Parke, R.D. (2013). Future Families: Diverse Forms, Rich Possibilities. USA. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. - Rober P. (2005). The Therapist’s Self in Dialogical Family Therapy:Some Ideas About Not-Knowing and the Therapist’s Inner Conversation. Family Process, Vol. 44, 477-495. - Rober, P., Elliot, R., Buysse, A., Loots, G., & De Corte, K. (2008). Postioning in the therapist's inner conversation: a dialogical model based on a grounded theory analysis of therapist reflections. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, Vol. 34, No. 3, 406–421. - Scheinkman, M. (2005). Beyond the trauma of betrayal. Reconsidering affairs in couples therapy. Family Process, 44(2), 227 – 244. -Smith B. & Maloney, L. (2008). Changes in post-separation parenting over time: a brief overview. Journal of family studies 14:7-22. Podcasts: - Manuals in the Practice and Research of Family Therapy- An interview with Valentin Escudero. - Manuals in the Practice and Research of Family Therapy- An interview with Laura Fruggeri. - Manuals in the Practice and Research of Family Therapy- An interview with Ivan Eisler. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture | ||||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Angela Abela Roberta Farrugia Debono Maria Lisa Gilson Ingrid Grech Lanfranco Allison Zammit Said |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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