GEN PRAC 7013 - Family & Relationships Counselling

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

This course examines developmental and therapeutic issues that relate to working with families and couples. A survey of pioneering theory and technique leads into contemporary, post-modern and integrative approaches. The Course first examines family systems and structure, family development stages and the types of stresses a family may have to negotiate. It will introduce a range of models of family and couples counselling, including multigenerational, experiential, cognitive behavioural, emotion-focused, narrative, solution-focussed and integrative models. It will address assessment techniques and practical interventions, and provide skills development in applying systems theory in counselling.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code GEN PRAC 7013
    Course Family & Relationships Counselling
    Coordinating Unit General Practice
    Term Semester 2
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Assumed Knowledge GEN PRAC 5005HO, GEN PRAC 5008HO & GEN PRAC 6018
    Restrictions Available to M. Counselling & Psychotherapy students only
    Course Description This course examines developmental and therapeutic issues that relate to working with families and couples. A survey of pioneering theory and technique leads into contemporary, post-modern and integrative approaches. The Course first examines family systems and structure, family development stages and the types of stresses a family may have to negotiate. It will introduce a range of models of family and couples counselling, including multigenerational, experiential, cognitive behavioural, emotion-focused, narrative, solution-focussed and integrative models. It will address assessment techniques and practical interventions, and provide skills development in applying systems theory in counselling.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Mark Pearson

    Course Coordinator: Mark Pearson
    Phone: +61 8313 1633
    Email: mark.pearson@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Level 11, 178 North Terrace

    Learning and Teaching Team
    Phone: +61 8313 2128
    Email: postgrad_enq@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: Level 7, 178 North Terrace
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:


    1 Outline knowledge of the underlying theories and core concepts of key approaches to family and relationship counselling;  
    2 Critically appraise research studies related to the clinical application of various approaches to family and relationship counselling;
    3 Demonstrate an understanding of family systems, structure, developmental stages and changes through class discussions and written assignments;
    4 Analyse and apply a variety of techniques and approaches to family and relationship counselling; these may include systems, experiential, developmental, cognitive-behavioural, emotion-focussed, narrative and integrative models;
    5 Demonstrate practical knowledge of common counselling issues that are presented by families and couples, through class discussions and written assignments;
    6 Recognise issues of cultural and other diversity in the formation of families and relationships;
    7 Appropriately apply intervention skills for working with families and couples to resolve relationship difficulties, through a written assignment;
    8 Appraise resources to support continuous learning regarding family and relationship counselling.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-5, 7
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2, 4, 5, 6, 8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2, 3, 7
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1-7
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2, 8
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 8
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    An important component of this unit is regular reading and reflection, intended to clarify and expand on material covered in class. Required textbooks:

    Goldenberg, H., & Goldenberg, I. (2013). Family therapy: An overview. (8th ed). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole - Cengage Learning.
    Long, L. L., & Young, M. E. (2007). Counselling and therapy for couples (2nd ed). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.
    Links to required background readings will be made available to participants via MyUni.

    Recommended Resources

    The following textbooks are highly recommended:

    Goldenberg, H., & Goldenberg, I. (2013). Family therapy: An overview. (8th ed). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole - Cengage Learning.

    Long, L. L., & Young, M. E. (2007). Counselling and therapy for couples (2nd ed). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole.

    Recommended Reading:
    Brown, J. H., & Brown, C. S. (2002). Marital therapy: Concepts and skills for effective practice. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

    McGoldrick, M., Carter, B., & Garcia-Preto, N. (2010). The expanded family life cycle: Individual, family, and social perspectives (4th Ed.) Pearson Education.

    Shaw, E., & Crawley. J. (2007). Couple therapy in Australia: Issues emerging from practice. Kew, VIC: Psychoz Publications.

    Rhodes, P., & Wallis, A. (Eds.) (2011). A practical guide to family therapy. Structured guidelines and key skills. Melbourne: IP Communications.

    Copies of readings (relevant journal articles) will be made available via MyUni.

    A range of videos and Youtube clips will be recommended for students to study.

    Online Learning

    3.3.1 MyUni
    All students enrolled in a postgraduate coursework program have access to a Postgraduate Coursework Student Centre on MyUni. This course is available on MyUni at www.adelaide.edu.au/myuni/.
    Please check the website regularly as it may contain announcements that are relevant to your study in the course.
    Weekly lecture notes will be provided via MyUni.

    Links to literature that supports class discussions and assignment preparation will be available via MyUni.

    If you would like the opportunity to network with other students, you can use the Communication features in the site
    Send Email – This feature enables users to send email to fellow students.
    Group Pages – Groups enable Users to collaborate with each other. Groups usually consist of a smaller group of Users in a course or organisation, such as study groups or project groups. From a Group Page, users may send email, exchange files, enter discussion forums or enter collaboration sessions.
    Please note that you also have access to individual MyUni sites for EACH course you are enrolled in. Please check the sites regularly as they may contain important announcements that are relevant to your study in the course.

    3.3.2 Access Adelaide
    Access Adelaide is the name of the online service that allows you to access and, in some cases, amend your records. It can be found at: https://access.adelaide.edu.au/sa/login.asp.
    You can log into Access Adelaide to view:
    your enrolment details for any term
    your academic results
    your unofficial academic transcript
    your personal details
    the fees, charges and payments on your University account
    your graduation eligibility details.
    As a student you can:
    change your address and telephone details (please inform the Discipline as well) change your password
    set a password clue to help you remember your password.

    3.3.3 Student email
    It is important that you set up your student email and check it regularly. Information from your course coordinator and student administration will be sent to you at your University of Adelaide email address. It is your responsibility to check your email. You will need your student number located on your student card to log in. http://webmail.adelaide.edu.au/

    3.3.4 Computers
    Where can I use a computer in the University?
    Computing facilities are provided to students by the University, and there are several suites of computers available, including at the Barr Smith Library and in Hub Central. The University web site has a list of computer labs at:
    http://www.adelaide.edu.au/its/student_support/labs/University of Adelaide

    3.3.5 Internet access
    The University provides a free dial-up service to students without the need for a commercial ISP account. This service is available at the cost of a local call to students residing within Adelaide (please refer to your telecommunications provider for confirmation of call costs). Students residing outside these numbers can dial into the University at STD call rates (www.adelaide.edu.au/its/desktop/dialup/).
    Postgraduate Coursework students will receive a University Funded Quota of 500Mb.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    No information currently available.

    Workload

    No information currently available.

    Learning Activities Summary

    No information currently available.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    No information currently available.

    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.