Module overview
This module builds on Systemic Theory and Practice Module 1 (PSYC6120) which is delivered in your first year of training. Together both modules have been designed to offer teaching that is equivalent to the first year of the Systemic Psychotherapy Foundation training (AFT, 2007). Systemic theory and practice is the programmes second therapeutic model, in line with guidance from the British Psychological Society that by the end of the programme Trainees will have the “ability to implement therapeutic interventions based on knowledge and practice in at least two evidence-based models of formal psychological interventions…” (BPS, 2015, p23 – 2.2.4 Psychological Intervention Core Competency, point 3).
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to critically reflect on your knowledge, experience, and clinical application of systemic models
- demonstrate an awareness of the impact of the wider social context (i.e. social GRRAACCES) within systemic therapy and consider issues of equality, diversity, and inclusion
- demonstrate an ability to initiate, maintain, and develop a systemic approach
- demonstrate an understanding of, and be able to describe and critically evaluate different systemic models and approaches
- demonstrate how to apply systemic theories to psychological problems, resilience, and change
Syllabus
The syllabus for this module which is run during the second year of training is:
Developing a contextual understanding of reflexivity; attention to power, ethics and socio-cultural diversity within a systemic framework.
Clinical application of the lenses of attachment and trauma to working with families; evidence-based working with specialist client presentations and/or contexts, such as eating disorders, neuro-divergence, social care.
Broader systemic applications such as models of supervision, consultation and working with teams and organisations.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module will include lectures and experiential exercises delivered in a workshop format. You will keep a systemic training reflective log and there will also be Systemic Consultation Sessions with qualified systemic psychotherapists to enable you to think and critically reflect on your application of systemic theory/approaches and your positioning within professional systems.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Teaching | 40 |
| Independent Study | 60 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Learning Resources. A resource folder will be available for you to access independently, either from the module coordinator or electronically via Blackboard, containing excerpts from the key texts and a variety of the specific materials relevant for each teaching session. This reading will include a basic introduction to systemic theory and specific models/approaches as well as illustrating stylistic issues and specific therapeutic techniques. Some of this reading will be preparatory reading for the module overall and/or each individual teaching session and the rest of it will be reading that you will be expected to complete to meet the requirements of the module. Completion of this reading will be monitoring through the reflective log as well as by individual lecturers via teaching sessions. The University Library also holds copies of the key introductory texts (as detailed below) and will enable access to a range of online journals and books relevant to the module which can be downloaded electronically from a University computer or VPN. Please note that below are the key introductory texts for this module and you will be given an individual reading list for each teaching session which you will also be required to familiarise yourself with and will also provide another platform for the development of your knowledge and skills.
Internet Resources
An Introduction to Family Therapy: Systemic Theory and Practice..
Textbooks
Burr, V. (2003). Social Constructionism. Hove & New York: Routledge.
Burnham, J. B., (Author).. Family Therapy: First Steps Towards a Systemic Approach. Abingdon & New York: Routledge (Tavistock Library of Social Work Practice)..
Carr, A. (2006). Family Therapy 2nd Edition: Concepts, Process and Practice. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Stratton, P (2011). The Evidence Base of Systemic Family and Couples Therapies. Warrington: Association for Family Therapy & Systemic Practice.
Stratton, P (2005). Report On The Evidence Base Of Systemic Family Therapy. Warrington: Association for Family Therapy.
Association for Family Therapy (2009). Summary of Family Interventions recommended and reviewed in NICE guidelines.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Reflective log/diary
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Report | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Resubmit assessments | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal