CYP5062 - Understanding Family Dynamics

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Explain the change and development of others in theoretical terms;
Analyse the impact that identity might have in patterns of communication;
Analyse motivation and resistance and focus on strategies for working with these;
Appraise different communication strategies in achieving different goals when supporting children and families.

Content:

This module will build upon students’ knowledge and understanding of the complex and diverse nature of families. Students will explore the detailed interface of practice that exists between the practitioner and family, with a focus upon why families are resistant towards adopting new behaviours prescribed by practitioners.

Students will evaluate different theories and models of change, with a rationale to explain client motivation and resistance. Students will analyse different strategies for working with such behaviour. The module will expand upon theoretical and evidence informed practice of direct practice of ‘what works’ with families, as well as discussion around ‘what does not work’ and explanations as to why this might be the case when engaging with families, building trust, communicating with families and maintaining relationships.

Students will be encouraged to adopt a reflexive and adaptive response towards working with families with an appreciation that different perspectives upon a family problem can facilitate differing relationships with families and in some cases different results. Students will gain confidence at analysing problems from multiple, rather than single fixed perspectives.

Family history and functioning will be explored with a focus upon the impact that ‘identity’ and ‘adult attachment’ might have upon notions of trust and developing relationships within and outside of families.

Students are required to safely reflect upon their own life experiences and critical incidents, evaluating how these might limit or enhance their communication with other professionals and clients.

Learning and Teaching Information:

This module will be taught using a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, some of which will be student-led. Students could be expected to prepare for the sessions by reading set texts and completion of tasks set in class or via the VLE and will be expected to take part in a wide range of learning activities.

Students may be required to prepare and present brief presentations as the basis for discussion in seminars or workshops.

Lectures, seminars and workshops
Hours: 30
Intended Group size: Cohort

On-line support and small group tutorials
Hours: 1 (min)
Intended group size: 6-10

Guided independent study
Hours: 169

Other relevant matters
The portfolio will contain a systematic analysis of a family interaction. Students will be provided with this case study. Students will then deconstruct the case study and explain it in terms of communication and dynamics features using the theories covered on the module. Students are required to approach the case study ‘as if’ they were a practitioner assigned to work with the case study family.
Students are required to demonstrate knowledge of theories of reflection and reflect upon the hypothetical work that they have undertaken with the case study family.

Assessment: