This unit aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theoretical, practical and research developments, and ethical issues in the field of couple therapy, with a particular emphasis on systemic approaches. Students will be expected to locate themselves and their personal beliefs, values, etc within a psycho-social and political critique that seeks to develop a language that is sensitive and respectful to the full diversity of the experiences of couples with whom they work. Areas covered will include: the socio-historical context of couples and couple therapy, systemic contributions to couple therapy (including cybernetic, attachment and transgenerational frameworks), developmental stages of couple relationships, separation and divorce, parenting, culture, gender, common presenting issues (finances, affairs, extended family), and unexpected presenting issues (e.g. trauma, violence, chronic illness, migration and so on).

Subject rules