Introduction to Family Systems and Couples

Presenter: Ireni Attia

This unit examines the historical origins and contemporary applications of systemic work with families and couples. It examines how the dynamics that operate between family members may contribute to symptoms experienced by vulnerable family members, particularly children and young people. Developmental and contextual factors are examined to take a trans-generational view of family functioning. Theoretical and practical applications of multiple models and theories of family and couple therapy are presented which provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in being able to effectively assess and intervene with families and couples that present for counselling. This requires knowledge of both basic and Introduction to Family Systems and Couples systemic counselling techniques including the ability to engage respectfully and impartially with all family members, even when issues of safety and risk require appropriate professional and ethical responsiveness. Interventions involve both preventative and curative facets, including:
(i) psycho-education;
(ii) helping families to understand the complexities of
interpersonal relationships; and
(iii) developmentally appropriate interventions that consider
the age and functional abilities of each family member.

The aim of this unit is to equip students with an understanding of family dynamics and couple work to provide a framework with which to explore a couple or family’s dilemmas.

For full details see the website

This event counts as 3 hours of category A CPD for PACFA’s membership renewal requirements per session attended.