SW 480 Couples Therapy
Prerequisite: Field (446) and Social Work Practice (421) The focus of this advanced level course will be on an in-depth examination and analysis of theories, research, and intervention strategies with couples. It builds on the knowledge and skills concerning assessment and intervention acquired in the first year clinical practice courses and field work. The course is designed to study and critically evaluate the use of cognitive, behavioral, insight-oriented, brief treatment, and skills-training approaches with couples. There will be an emphasis on the adaptation of couples therapy to the needs of minority couples, intercultural couples, and same-sex couples. Also, interventions with couples around special issues, such as living with chronic illness, facing divorce, and sexual dysfunction will be explored. In-class lecture and discussion of required readings, in-class video-taped role plays, and written assignments will be used to advance students' knowledge and skills in practice with couples.