Handbook

This course builds on SOCF5108 ‘Therapeutic Contexts and Relationships’ to critically examine methodologies that focus on families and relationships within families in counselling and social work contexts. In this course, you will use a systemic/interactional lens to understand and contextualise the client’s problems, needs and capabilities. The focus is on developing conceptual and practice skills in engaging family members, exploring and understanding family dynamics through using open, direct and circular questions and developing interventions to assist family members to reach their goals. The course explores challenges that emerge in working with individuals and families including power dynamics, gender and diversity issues, managing hierarchy and boundaries, dealing with secrets, and facilitating healing from interpersonal trauma.