Course description
Programme description
- Introduces students to the field of systemic theory, practice and research.
- Introduces basic practice skills and their application to clinical practice.
- Enables students to begin to develop a stance of self-reflexivity
and prepare for entry to qualifying level training.
Programme provides a comprehensive introduction to family therapy and systemic practice. Development of understanding of: the theoretical base of family therapy; life cycle developments in a diversity of family forms; issues of difference and power and their relevance to family therapy; systemic thinking in a range of contexts; basic principles of research and evaluation and personal and professional issues relating to this field of work. It also helps to develop clinical skills in working with families and couples and to understand the role of family therapy in multidisciplinary teams.
Programme format and assessment
Academic seminars, small group reading and clinical skills seminars, personal and professional development groups, clinical placements (full time only).
Programme modules for Grad Cert Family Therapy
Clinical Practice (15 Credits) (Core Module)
This module runs throughout the course and it gives the student the opportunity to experience the role of family therapist within the NHS and to develop practice skills with clients
Personal & Professional Development (Core Module)
Consists of regular small groups which focus on the development of self reflexivity in relation to practice. This module is not directly assessed but evidence of personal and professional developmetn is looked for in all pieces of assessed work.
Systemic Practice with Families and Couples (15 Credits) (Core Module)
This enables students to develop their knowledge of the application of systemic ideas to practice in a variety of settings
Theories informing systemic practice with individuals with families and couples (Core Module)
This module runs throughout the year to encourage a continued reflexive cycle of theory informing practice and practice informing theory. This covers the main models of work with families and couples, a critique of models in relation to culture, gender and power and application of theory to different practice settings. Teaching is carried forward in small groups and students have to do individual and collaborative presentations related to their theoretical understanding. The teaching for this module consists of: a) weekly theory and practice seminars which cover aspects of all the main models of family therapy and theory application to practice, core practice issues such as the therapeutic relationship, issues of power, culture and the application of practice to particular areas and client groups e.g. adult psychiatry , schools, disability, couples; b) reading seminars which give opportunities to discuss and read around the topics taught I the theory and practice seminars and to develop skills in presenting papers and critically evaluating the literature; c) clinical skills seminars which help translate theory into areas of practice. Assessments for this module are: theoretical essay, case study and examination.
An Introduction to Child & Adolescent Mental Health
This module provides basic information of the structure and legislative framework of mental health services.
Duration
Nine months FT, September to September (PT version for employees of selected NHS Trusts, two academic years).
