CPSY 640 - Relationship Therapy

Unit(s): 3

The focus of this course is on relationships: the ways in which people develop as relational beings, their approach towards relating to others, and the way in which the therapy relationship is navigated to promote behavioral and intra-psychic change. The course will review the formation and dynamics of interpersonal relationships in the individual, family, couples, and other relationships. Developmental, intergenerational, identity and cultural influences on the understanding relationships dynamics will be examined. In addition, this course will critically examine the clinical and research literature on relationships and family treatment of mental health issues. Major theoretical approaches towards work with families, couples and other relationship constellations will be reviewed, including: Bowen, strategic, structural, experiential, cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytic, solution-focused, narrative, emotion-focused, Gottman method, and integrative approaches. These theories will be examined for their intervention effectiveness with diverse communities and relationships.

Prerequisite: CPSY 631 with a minimum grade of B- and CPSY 642 with a minimum grade of B-
Restriction: Field of study restricted to Counseling Psychology Major
School of Education