| CODE | PSY5582 | |||||||||
| TITLE | Couples Counselling and Sex Therapy | |||||||||
| UM LEVEL | 05 - Postgraduate Modular Diploma or Degree Course | |||||||||
| MQF LEVEL | Not Applicable | |||||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | |||||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Psychology | |||||||||
| DESCRIPTION | Couple therapy: Couple interactions are explored from a psychodynamic and object relations perspective. Various video clips will illustrate the types of marital collusions and their dynamics. Topics explored will include Couple fit, collusions and their dynamics, the projection of the shadow and projective identification in couples, gender specific issues, men and women in relationships, martial infidelity and couples in conflict and the therapeutic alliance with the therapist. Sex therapy: In addition, this unit also addresses the current approaches in the practice of sex therapy. Emphasis is on the assessment of individuals and couples and the development of appropriate interventions to address the sexual concerns presented by the couples and individuals. Issues regarding identification and treatment of male and female disorders as well as treatment of special populations are included. Objectives: Couple therapy: -To familiarize the student with different theoretical framework with which to understand couple dynamics; -To explore cases to understand how these dynamics can be improved; -To acquire knowledge of the subject of sex therapy based on theory and research; -To develop counselling and psychotherapeutic skills in the assessment and treatment of couples counselling and sex therapy; -To learn about one’s assets and liabilities in practicing these skills. Learning outcomes: Knowledge and understanding: By the end of the study-unit, the student will be able to: • Be familiar with different theoretical frameworks to understand couple couple dynamics and sex therapy; • Learn about one’s assests and liabilities in practicing counselling and psychotherapeutic skills related to couples counselling and sex therapy. Skills: By the end of the study-unit, the student will be able to: • Develop counselling and psychotherapeutic skills in the assessment and treatment of couples counselling and sex therapy. Couples Therapy: Introduction to couples therapy; different schools different; Methods, couple fit, collusions, unconscious choice of partner and their dynamics, the projection of the shadow and projective identification in couples, therapeutic alliance intimacy, attachment and abandonment therapeutic impasse, Infidelity and related issues, violence between couples, gay and lesbian couples; Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). A video of EFT will be viewed and discussed. Sex therapy: The unit with the various topics on Sex Therapy sexual problems Module 1: Sexuality and its problems Module 2: The basics of sex therapy Module 3: Advanced approach : couple treatment Required Text: Ruszczynski, S.(1993) Psychotherapy with Couples: Theory and Practice at the Tavistock Institute of Marital Studies, Karnac Books. Fisher & Crandell, Patterns of Relating – Adult Attachment and Couple Psychotherapy in Clulow, C.(editors) (2001) Secure Base in Practice and Research, Brunner Routledge. Abramson, P. R., & Pinkerton, S. D. (1995). With pleasure: Thoughts on the nature of human sexuality. New York: Oxford University Press. Videos: Doll’s House play by Henrik Ibsen; Kramer Vs Kramer; House of Secrets and Lies; Falling in Love; Mrs Doubtfire; Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf, American beauty. Abela, A. (1991). Transmitting Values in European Malta. Valletta: Jesuit Publications. Ackerman, N. W. (1958), The Psychological Dynamics of Family Life. Basic Books. Bradshaw, J. (1995), Family Secrets, Bantam, atherall, D. R. (1992) Working with Projective Identifiction in Couples. Family Process. Jackson, D D. & Lederer, W. J. (1968). The Mirages of Marriage. Norton & Company. Kerr, E. M. & Bowen Murray (?), (1988). Family Evaluation. Norton & Company. Clulow C. & Mattinson J. (1989). Marriage Inside Out. Penguin. Clulow, C. (1982). To Have and to Hold. Aberdeen: University Press. Bibliography: Dicks, H, (1967). Marital Tensions, Clinical Studies towards a Psychological Theory of Interaction. London: Rouledge & Kegan Paul. Duvall, E.M., Marriage and Family Development (1985). Harper & Row. Michenbaum, L., & Orbach, S. (1983). Understanding Women. NY: Basic Books. Sex therapy: Allgeier, R., Allgeier, A. R., & Allgeier, E. R. (1999). Sexual interactions. (5 th Ed.). Lexington, MA: D. C. Heath. Bancroft, J. (1991). Human sexuality and its problems (2 nd ed.) Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone. Barbach, L. (2000). For yourself: The fulfillment of female sexuality. New York: Signet. Brizendine L (2006) The Female Brain. New York Morgan Road Books Caron, S. L. (1998). Cross-cultural perspectives on human sexuality. Boston: Allyn & Bacon Ellison, C. R. (2000). Women’s sexualities: Generations of women share intimate secrets of sexual self acceptance. Friday, N. (1981). Men in love: Men’s sexual fantasies: The triumph of love over rage. New York: Dell Publishing. Friday, N. (1973). My secret garden: Women’s sexual fantasies. New York: Trident Press. Gianotten W (2007). The health benefits of sexual expression. In: Tepper MS, Owens AF (Eds.), Sex, Love and Psychology: Sexual Health, Vol. 1, Psychological Foundations, Westport: Praeger:17-42. Irvine, J.M. (1990). Disorders of desire: Sex and gender in contemporary American sexology. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. Bullough, V. L. & Bullough, B. L. (1995). Sexual attitudes: Myths and realities. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books. Buss, D. (1994). The evolution of desire: Strategies of human mating. New York: Basic Books Kaplan, H. S. (1995). The sexual desire disorders: Dysfunctional regulation of sexual motivation. New York: Brunner/Mazel. King, B. (1998). Human sexuality today. (3 rd Ed.) Prentice Hall. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Seminar | |||||||||
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| LECTURER/S | Angela Abela Maryann Borg Cunen (Co-ord.) Wilhelmus Leopold Gianotten Clarissa Sammut Scerri |
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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 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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