1 MCC 650: Couples and Family Counseling 3 Graduate Credit Hours, 10 Week Course Syllabus TERM YEAR Instructor: Office Phone: Office Location: Office Hours: Email address: BEST way to reach me: Required Course Texts: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, (6 th ed., 2 nd printing). American Psychological Association: Washington D.C. Metcalf, L. (2011). Marriage and family therapy: A practice oriented approach. New York: Springer Publishing Company. ISBN: 978-0-8261-0681-0 Patterson, J., Williams, L., Edwards, T., Chamow, L. & Grauf-Grounds, C. (2009). Essential skills in family therapy: From the first interview to termination. New York: Guilford Press. ISBN: 978-1-6-623-305-4 Prerequisites: Successful completion of all foundation courses with an earned grade of C or higher or written permission of the Clinical Counseling Program Director Catalog Description: This course introduces students to a broad range of theoretical approaches and interventions in the field of couples and family counseling with an emphasis on the systemic and relational components commonly associated in working with couples and families. The impact of societal changes, trauma, and mental health disorders on the family system are studied. Theories and models of couple and family resilience as well as the promotion of wellness over the family life span are introduced. Knowledge of how to effectively counsel couples and families, including problem identification, treatment planning, intervention, family wellness education, and relapse prevention are emphasized
2 Purpose: The purpose of this course is to provide important skills and knowledge as a requirement for all students obtaining the Masters of Clinical Counseling degree. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: II.G.2.d. II.G.3.a. II.G.3.d. II.G.5.e. CMHC C.8 Knowledge Standards Recognizes individual, couple, family, group, and community strategies for working with and advocating for diverse populations, including multicultural competencies. Demonstrate theories of individual and family development transitions across the lifespan. Apply theories and models of individuals, cultural, couple, family, and community resilience. Apply a systems perspective that provides an understanding of family and other systems theories and major models of family and related interventions. Skill Standards Recognizes the importance of family, social networks, and community systems in the treatment of mental and emotional disorders. How/where covered and measured Discussion board posts; Genogram/Summary; Case- Study/Treatment Plan Discussion board posts; Genogram/Summary; Case- Study/Treatment Plan Assignment Discussion board posts; Genogram/Summary; Case- Study/Treatment Plan Assignment Discussion board posts; Genogram/Summary, Case- Study/Treatment Plan Assignment Discussion board posts; Genogram/Summary, Case- Study/Treatment Plan Assignment/ Family Systems and Social Networks in Counseling Paper Residential Class Attendance Policy Attendance is mandatory. You are expected to attend every class meeting. If you are unable to attend you must contact me in advance for an alternative assignment. There may be points associated with class participation. If you do not notify me of your absence in advance, you will not be allowed to make up the points that you missed.
3 Online Attendance Policy Attendance is mandatory. Online students are required to routinely log-into Blackboard and submit their assignments as scheduled by the syllabus. The student will receive a letter of nonattendance if the student has not logged-in to their course or submitted any assignments for more than seven consecutive days per course. Nonattendance could impact a student s ability to receive financial aid. Online students encountering special situations which will prohibit them from accessing their course and meeting their course obligations should contact their instructor. Instructor Communication Policy: I will make every effort to communicate with you within 48 hours (not including weekends or holidays). E-mail is the most efficient way to communicate with me. Additionally, please make sure to have your updated e-mail in the Bellevue University system, as that is how I will communicate with you. If you have multiple e-mails, you can go into the system to have e-mail automatically forwarded to other e-mails. I would suggest simply using your assigned Bellevue University e-mail. Regardless of what e-mail you choose, make sure to have it updated so you do not miss any correspondence related to the course. Student Expectations: Students are expected to embody and display professional interactions and behaviors in all aspects of this course. This behaviors and interactions reflect those commonly expected from professional counselors and human services professionals. This includes, but is not limited to, respectful dialogue and interactions with faculty, students, and staff. Students not maintaining professional behavior will be advised; and, this advisement will be part of the documentation of the student s progress and performance in the program. Additionally, if warranted, further action may be taken to address in or unacceptable behavior, which may include removal from the course and/or program. All assignments in the course should be completed using the most recent publication of the APA manual, especially with regards to writing academic papers. *Note all assignments are to be submitted electronically in Word format. Assignments: Assignments are designed to reflect the students retention and synthesis of knowledge of counseling theories and models. Rubric for evaluation of the discussion board posting is available under the Rubrics tab. Discussion: Discussion enhances learning as you share your ideas, perspectives, and experiences with the class. You develop and refine your thoughts through the writing process, plus broaden your classmates understanding of the course content. You promote a professional, substantive discussion. Use the following feedback to improve the quality of your discussion contributions.
4 Discussion will take place in both Residential and Online formats of the course. In the Residential format, students are expected to fully engage in class discussions as outlined in the Rubric below. Instructor guided peer to peer discussion facilitates deeper learning and your development as a professional. In the Online Discussion, there will be two required original posts per week responding to assigned questions to deepen your learning. Students are expected to be thorough in their responses to these questions, using graduate-level writing, correct grammar, and APA format. Please refer to the rubric explaining how postings will be evaluated. Please note there may be multiple questions housed within one posting assignment; and, all questions posed must be addressed. Discussion boards will have two discussion posts per week: the first will be due by 11:59 p.m. CST on the Wednesday of the week, and the second will be due by 11:59 p.m. CST on the Sunday of the week. Responses to other students posts (to both discussion boards) are due by 11:59 p.m. CST on the Sunday of the week. All discussion boards are worth 20 points (up to 10 points for the primary post and up to 10 points for peer responses). Masters of Clinical Counseling Residential Discussion Grading Rubric Criteria Content Engagement in the Discussion Unacceptable Needs Improvement Does Addresses the not address assignment but the response lacks assignment detail and vocabulary or is incomplete Does not participate in the discussion Responds to at least one peer in the discussion but comments are tangential or general to the topic Competent Addresses the full assignment and uses detail and vocabulary Responds to at least one peer and comments are directly related to the topic and assignment at hand. Excellent Addresses the full assignment and uses detail and vocabulary plus presents additional examples or resources. Responds to multiple peers and comments are related to the topic and assignment at hand and expand the discussion in some way. Please note discussions missed in class can only be made up if you notify the instructor in advance for an alternative assignment.
5 Masters of Clinical Counseling Online Discussion Grading Rubric Discussion Grading Rubric #1 Primary post Criteria Unacceptable Needs Improvement Content (up to 6 References (up to 2 Spelling, Grammar & word choice (up to 2 No post or does not address the assignment (0 Does not cite references (if required) (including textbook) (0 Many spelling and grammatical errors or lacks clarity in vocabulary (0 Addresses the assignment but response lacks detail and vocabulary or is incomplete (4 Includes reference citation but incomplete (if required) (1 point) Uses vocabulary from the text but inly or several spelling or grammar errors (1 point) Competent Addresses the full assignment and uses detail and vocabulary (5 Includes complete reference information but APA format error (if required) (1.5 Uses vocabulary from the text ly, few spelling or grammar errors. (1.5 Excellent Addresses the full assignment and uses detail and vocabulary plus presents additional examples or resources (6 Includes complete reference information in proper APA format (if required) (2 Uses vocabulary from the text ly, no grammar or spelling errors (2 Discussion Grading Rubric #2 Peer Replies Criteria Peer reply #1 (up to 5 points each) Unacceptable Needs Improvement No peer reply posted (0 Mostly Restates, compliments, or agrees with peers posts. Excessive grammar and spelling errors (3 Competent Provides some additional insight to peers post but largely restates own primary post. Minimal grammar and spelling errors (4 Excellent Provides additional insight, example, resource, disagrees, or respectfully corrects an error in peer s post. No grammar or spelling errors. (5
6 Please note: All discussions in this course are worth 20 points. You can earn up to 10 points for your primary post (grading rubric #1) and up to 10 points for your peer responses (grading rubric #2). All deadlines are clearly noted in each Discussion Board assignment. No posts outside the current week will be considered when computing your grade because the class discussion has ended. Weekly checkpoint assignments: Each week students will be assigned at least one check-point assignment. These assignments will vary in format and may consist of problems, term matching/review, and/or application problems. These assignments have been designed to give you feedback on your comprehension of course materials as well as to prepare you for the exams. These are graded assignments point values are noted on the weekly assignment sheets. Genogram/Summary Paper: The major paper in this course is intended to give you a chance to complete a genogram for your own family and post to the assignment drop box. Include a minimum of two generations of data. Identify key trends/patterns. If you are unable to contact family members for information answer the questions that pertain to your situation to the best of your ability. Use the genogram program at http://www.genopro.com to develop your genogram. It is a free program and all genograms for this course will be created through this program allowing accessibility to the instructor. To obtain unlimited access to this program, download the program utilizing this link: http://www.genopro.com/download/sitelicense/installgenopro.bellevue.exe Symbols and other helpful insights can be found on the Genogram Guide Document found under Resources and on the web site http://www.genograms.org that you reviewed for discussion board 3.1. Summarize your insights after completing this assignment. Most importantly, include what you learned about your family in creating this diagram that will influence your work as a family therapist. The paper will need to be written in APA format and will have a length requirement of at least 5 pages (including the genogram). This assignment is worth 50 points. Genogram/Summary Paper Rubric (50 Points) Criteria Construction of the genogram (up to 15 Relational patterns, symbol key (up to 10 Needs Improvement (C or below) Presented fewer than three generations; used the genogram program from www.genopro.com Did not adequately describe relational patterns and/or did not include a Competent (B) Presented two to three generations; used the genogram program from www.genopro.com (12 pts) Identified relational patterns and included a symbol key with Proficient (A) Presented at least three generations; used the genogram program from www.genopro.com (15 pts) Provided a comprehensive list of relational patterns and
7 Typed summary of awareness/insi ghts/ influences (up to 15 APA Style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling (up to 10 symbol key Provided a limited summary of awareness/insights and influences about yourself in relationship to your family describing how these influences might impact your work with families ( 8 pts) Assignment contains numerous grammatical punctuation, and spelling errors Two format errors Used some headers but not logical Substantial errors in citations & references Substantial organizational issues most of the symbols included in the genogram Provided a sufficient summary of awareness/insights and influences about yourself in relationship to your family describing how these influences might impact your work with families (12 pts) Assignment contains few grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors One format error Used headers but one or more not Some format errors in citations &references Some organizational inconsistencies included a comprehensive symbol key Provided a comprehensive summary of awareness/insights and influences about yourself in relationship to your family describing how these influences might impact your work with families (15 pts) Correct rules of grammar usage Correct format of title page Appropriate headers Correct format of citations and references Properly organized and balanced throughout Case Study/Treatment Plan Assignment: Complete a case study of the Guest Family. The second format sheet is provided as a guide to as you develop a treatment plan for the Guest family. The treatment plan will include a minimum of three treatment goals, with 2-3 objectives for each goal.
8 Case Study/Treatment Plan Rubric (30 Points) CRITERIA Identification of the Problems (up to 5 Needs Improvement (C or below) Identifies and demonstrates a limited understanding of some of the issues/problems in the case study. (2 pts) Competent (B) Identifies and demonstrates an acceptable understanding of most of the issues/problems in the case study (4 pts) Proficient (A) Identifies and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the main issues/problems in the case study. Analysis and Evaluation of Issues/Problems (up to 5 Treatment Goals and Objectives (up to 10 Writing Quality (up to 10 Presents a superficial or incomplete analysis of some of the identified issues; omits necessary information. (2 pts) Treatment goals and objectives are missing or are not reasonable, and/or not measurable. Writing contains errors, is fairly organized and follows some specified guidelines. Presents an analysis of most of the identified issues; missing some necessary information. (4 pts) Treatment goals and objectives are reasonable and measurable. Provides an adequate, organized presentation of ideas; writing has few grammar and spelling errors. Presents an insightful and thorough analysis of all identified issues; includes necessary information. Treatment goals and objectives are clear and measurable. Provides clarity, an organized presentation of ideas; formatting is and writing is free of grammar and spelling errors.
9 Family Systems and Social Networks in Counseling Paper: ASSESSMENT PROBE: MEETS CMCH C.8 In this assignment, you will complete a research paper including a minimum of 5 peer-reviewed journal articles (published after 2001) addressing the systemic nature of families and the impact of social networks on individuals and families. The content of the articles will address family social networks and community systems in treatment of mental and emotional disorders. The paper will be a minimum of 5 pages completed in APA format, plus a title page and a reference page, will use a 12-font, double-spaced and will be properly cited. This assignment is due week 10 and is worth 50 points. PLEASE NOTE: Because this is an assessment probe, you must score 80% or better (at least 40 points out of 50 on the paper in order to pass the course. If you do not score at least 80%, you will be given one opportunity to revise your paper. If you still do not score 80% on the paper, you will fail the course and will need to retake it. You cannot pass the course unless you earn a minimum of 80% on the probe. Family Systems and Social Networks in Counseling Paper Rubric (50 Points) Criteria Presentation of treatment evidence regarding family systems (up to 10 Presentation of treatment evidence regarding social networks in counseling (up to 10 Source citations (up to 10 Needs Improvement (C or below) Presented one unique point regarding family systems identified in the research literature. Critically evaluated the evidence regarding social networks associated with counseling identified in the literature. Did not adequately cite sources many factual statements with Competent (B) Presented at least two unique points regarding family systems identified in the research literature. Critically evaluated evidence regarding social networks associated with counseling identified in the literature. Cited sources but sometimes not often enough cited sources only at the end Proficient (A) Presented at least three unique points regarding family systems identified in the research literature. Critically evaluated evidence regarding social networks associated with counseling identified in the literature. Cited an source for every factual statement made within the
10 no supporting citations. of paragraphs. paper. Quality of sources (up to 10 APA Style (up to 10 Two or more of the sources used were not scholarly-peer reviewed sources published within the last ten years. The majority of all sources used were not scholarly, peerreviewed journal articles. Many grammatical errors, two or fewer format errors, used some headers but not logical, substantial errors in citations & references, substantial organizational issues. All but one of the sources used were scholarlypeer reviewed sources published within the last ten years. The majority of all sources used were scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles. Some grammatical errors, one format error, used headers but one or more not, some format errors in citations &references, some organizational inconsistencies. All sources used were scholarly, peer-reviewed sources published within the last ten years. The majority of all sources used were scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles. Correct grammar, correct format of title page, headers, correct format of citations and references, properly organized and balanced throughout. Final course grades will be computed as a total percentage of points earned; as follows: A 93-100% C+ 76-79% D- 60-62% A- 90-92% C 73-75% F 59% and below B+ 86-89% C- 70-72% B 83-85% D+ 66-69% B- 80-82% D 63-65%
11 REMINDER: If you do not earn a minimum of 80% on the assessment probe (Family Systems and Social Networks in Counseling Paper) you will be given one opportunity to revise the probe. If you still fail to meet the 80% required grade, you will fail the course and need to retake it. Please note per Bellevue University policy, students must earn a letter grade of C or above to pass a graduate course without being required to retake the class. Earning a letter grade of C- or below necessitates retaking the course, which is at the student s expense. Additionally, regardless of grades in individual courses, students are required to maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0. If a student falls below this threshold they will be placed on academic probation, and may subsequently be dismissed from the program. Assignment Grading and Feedback Normally feedback on assignments will be provided within one week of the due date for all assignments submitted on time. This means, for instance, that grading for week one will typically be complete by the end of week 2. If you have any questions about feedback, please reach out to your instructor. Late Work Policy: Because of the nature of an online learning environment, no late discussion board posts or exams will be accepted. Other late assignments will receive a penalty deduction of 10%. Assignments more than two weeks late will not be accepted. At the instructor s discretion, exceptions can be made to this policy; however, exceptions would typically constitute documented illnesses or emergencies. Having heavy workloads, both with school and work commitments, family functions, and vacations are examples of non-approved exceptions. Students who foresee issues with their schedules and plans should be proactive and plan to accommodate for these issues by completing assignments prior to the due date or working with the instructor for alternative arrangements. MSCC Academic Honesty Policy: The Master of Science in Clinical Counseling of Bellevue University Academic Honesty Policy is in addition to the overall University Policy. Any time students commit academic dishonesty they show little concern for their own personal sense of integrity, and they infringe on the rights of all other members of the academic community. The following definitions and examples are forms of academic integrity violations: Cheating. No student shall use or attempt to use materials, notes, or information from another student for normal course work that is intended to be done on an individual basis, either in class or out of class. Examples include, but are not limited to: (1) copying from another person s research, paper, test or quiz, (2) using testing aids during a test where no permission has been given by the Instructor, (3) copying another s work, (4) collaborating on any written work,
12 without specific permission by the Instructor, or (5) allowing another person to do your work, (6) taking an exam for another student or (7) allowing another person to take an exam for you. Multiple Submissions. No students shall submit a paper (in part or in whole) or any other assignment (in part or in whole) which was submitted for academic credit for any other course. Plagiarism. No student shall present the work of another person as their own without the specific citation of the original author. Examples include, but are not limited to: (1) the use of another s complete sentences or key words without quotation marks and accurate citations, (2) graphs and charts, or (3) ideas and information provided by another. Computer programs, files, and web pages must also be utilized only with the inclusion of a citation referencing or indicating the original source of the file and/or program. Consequences of Academic Dishonesty. The first violation of the academic policy will result in a score of zero for the assignment, paper, exam, etc. The incident (including supporting documentation) will be reported to the Program Director who will keep the record of the incident on file until the student graduates from the program. The program director will forward the information about the violation to the office of Student Affairs. If a second violation of the academic honesty policy occurs, the student will receive a failing grade in the course in which the violation occurred. The incident (with supporting documentation) will again be reported to the Program Director who will keep the record of the incident on file until the student graduates from the program. This incident will be reported to the office of Student Affairs. If a third incident occurs, the student will be removed from MSCC program with no opportunity to return to the program. The student may appeal decisions regarding Academic Dishonesty as per the university policy. Need to Change Assignments and Requirements: While not typical, the instructor reserves the right to make any necessary changes to the course as needed, which may include but is not limited to, readings, point values, assignments, grading criteria, due dates, exams, and corrections to unforeseen errors in any aspect of the course. The instructor will provide students with notifications of any changes, and will provide students an opportunity to adjust to these changes in a timely and reasonable manner determined by the instructor.
13 Course Topics and Corresponding Readings: Date Topic Assigned Readings Major assignments Week #1 Class Orientation/Introduction to Family Therapy Patterson: Chapters 1,2 Metcalf: Chapters 1,2 Week #2 Solution-Focused Therapy The First Session Patterson: Chapter 3 Metcalf: Chapter 12 Week #3 Structural Family Therapy Using the Family Genogram as a Tool Patterson: Chapter 5 Metcalf: Chapter 10 Week #4 Bowen Family Systems Developing Treatment Skills Patterson: Chapter 6 Metcalf: Chapter 3 Genogram/Summary Paper due Week #5 Contextual Family Therapy Beginning Stages of Therapy Patterson: Chapter 7 Metcalf: Chapter 4 Week #6 Week #7 Symbolic-Experiential Family Therapy Human Validation Process Therapy Strategic Family Therapy Milan Systemic Family Therapy Family Secrets/Other Family Issues Patterson: Chapters 7,8 Metcalf: Chapter 4 Patterson: Chapter 9 Metcalf: Chapters 9,11 Case-Study/ Treatment Plan Assignment due Week #8 Ethics/Cultural Diversity Patterson: pages 50-55 Metcalf: Chapters 19,20 Week #9 Week #10 Narrative Family Therapy Marriage Counseling: Personal Biases and Beliefs Emotionally Focused Therapy Marriage Counseling Metcalf: Chapters 13,18 Doherty Article Patterson: Chapter 8-12 Metcalf: Chapter 14 Nay Article Family Systems and Social Networks Paper due