MFT6106 - Families in Crisis

Semester Credits: 3 Weeks: 12

This course will examine contemporary crisis-related issues in marriage and family therapy to include the intersections of gender, violence, trauma, substance abuse and other compulsive behaviors, eating disorders, suicide, chronic illness, infidelity and infertility. The focus will be on the effects of trauma and stress on family life and relationships and the assessment and treatment of individuals, couples, and families from a relational/systemic perspective with respect to these issues. Collaborative care, referral process, and community networking will be addressed considering the unique needs of the trauma population. Vicarious trauma and resilience will also be examined, with an emphasis on self-care for MFTs working with families in crisis. Ethical issues pertaining to the trauma work will be addressed.