Working With Families: Principles Of Systems Theory

This course is an introduction to families from a family systems and family counselling perspective. Students will learn to view human behavior and behavior problems, including substance abuse and mental health problems, as expressions of family interactions and structures. Several current therapeutic models of counselling will be contrasted with a family systems approach. Family dynamics will be explored as factors in the development/maintenance of substance abuse and mental health. Students will be introduced to assessment and treatment planning strategies with families affected by substance abuse/mental health.