Ithaca College

 Interested in learning about how families function? Planning to work with families in the future? Want to pursue a job in human services?

 Family Dynamics & Family Therapy (PSYC 24100) will be offered during the May Session (May 12-22). You can take this 3-credit course in an intensive 10-day session. The course is a blend of lecture, small group activities, role playing, and reflective assignments. 

The primary objectives of this course are to introduce you to systems theory and to examine the varied dynamics of the American family. In this class you will be exposed to theories of “normal” and disrupted family functioning. The second half of the course will be devoted to understanding how to promote positive systemic change through therapeutic intervention. You will be exposed to the basics of several theories of family therapy. We will discuss contextual factors that affect the therapeutic relationship, ethical principles relevant to therapy, and individual and family dynamics that affect the therapeutic relationship. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the intergenerational transmission of behavior, and on developing critical thinking skills.

 Prerequisites: Sophomore standing; PSYC-10300