Participants learn how to assess family systems and define problematic couple and family dynamics. The course emphasizes and identifies techniques in the application of systemic/structural and narrative approaches to family therapy and develops an awareness of the verbal and nonverbal messages that tend to dominate patterns of family interaction. The course provides skill development opportunities for learning a variety of assessment and intervention techniques.
Course Objectives
This course provides students with academic and experiential learning opportunities. This approach will enable them to engage families and couples in a therapeutic process, facilitating positive change and growth.
Through the development of a comprehensive understanding of family of origin issues, health and deficits students will learn to assess problem areas and to intervene accordingly. Students will learn the developmental aspects essential for personal growth and self-actualization.
Particular attention will be paid to issues of enmeshment, disengagement and self-defeating internal scripts lingering from childhood. Intervention strategies for the healing of unresolved losses, low self-worth, suicidal ideation and family dysfunction will be discussed and demonstrated.
Before the end of this course, students will demonstrate the following:
- Core assessment and counselling techniques for working effectively with couples and families
- An understanding of theoretical frameworks as they relate to intervening effectively with couples and families
- A knowledge of the indicators and characteristics of historical patterns of dysfunction, attachment theory and how early development affects relational interacting
- Knowledge and application of the healing and forgiveness principles in resolving childhood trauma impacting current health and functioning
- Application of techniques of reframing, various family therapy techniques and development of awareness and compassion
- Knowledge and understanding of the concepts of triangulation, enmeshment, differentiation and disengagement
Additional Information
Found in These Programs: Life Skills Counsellor Certificate, Life Coach Diploma, Addiction Counselor Diploma, Wellness Counsellor Diploma, Professional Counsellor Diploma
Course Type: Daytime (FT)
Course Length: 1 week
Course Hours: 30
Prerequisites: COUN 100
Other Requirements: Enrollment in Life Skills Counsellor Certificate or any Diploma program.
