3 credits
Prerequisite: Preference given to marital & family therapy students

In-depth study of each student's families-of-origin in a process orientated setting of fellow students and clinical, family therapy supervisor.

This course is primarily designed to provide students with a unique opportunity to explore, study and understand their own families of origin over four generations. Few opportunities exist for an extensive examination of families of origin by family professionals in training with a focus on professional applicability. The goal of this course is to provide an environment conducive to such exploration.

Upon successful completion the student will be able to:

1. Identify your assumptions about families based on your families of origin and how these interface with your role as a Marriage and Family therapist or Family Life educator.

2. Utilize published and personal resources pertaining to family of origin therapy, use of self in therapy and genograms in the practice of Marriage and Family therapy.

3. Identify and understand structures and dynamics of families of origin, covert and overt rules, covert and overt roles, multiple myths, multiple and perhaps conflicting loyalties, diverse boundaries, patterns of intimate interaction, economic and political influences and experiences of loss.

4. Appreciate the diversity of families of origin for those utilizing genographic material different from, yet inclusive of, blood lines.

At least 9 hours per week, including class time

McGoldrick, M. and Gerson, R.and Shellenberger, S. (1999). Genograms,  Assessment and Intervention. New York, W.W. Norton.

Scarf, M. (1995). Intimate Worlds, Life Inside the Family. New York, Random House.

Course packet.