Winter, 2021

FT532

Hardin

FT532: VULNERABLE FAMILY SYSTEMS: ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH DISPARITIES & COMPLEX TRAUMA. Michael Hardin, Ph.D.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Building on the Cultural and Ethnic Issues course in the Fall, this course will provide an overview of the mental health adjustment of families who deal with the compounding impacts of social and economic forces at both the micro and macro levels of our society that create greater vulnerabilities to their situations. Falicov΄s multidimensional framework will be used and strategies for intervention and prevention will be highlighted. As marginalized populations are often exposed to many potentially traumatic events, this course will also focus on complex trauma and PTSD, and developmental impacts on families.

cOURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

· Students will gain an awareness and understanding of the nature and extent of mental health disparities

· Students will gain basic knowledge about the impacts of repeated abuse and trauma in children, adolescents and families.

· Students will become familiar with and prepare to deliver intervention strategies designed for diverse populations of children and families.

· Students will gain a basic knowledge about disaster needs, response and recovery for children and families.

· Students will gain an appreciation for a Christian commitment to professional practice as service.

RELATIONSHIP TO SCHOOL AND SEMINARY LEARNING OUTCOMES:

This course meets the following learning outcomes:

MFT Learning Outcomes

1. Learning outcome 2: Graduates of the MSMFT will demonstrate an ecosystemic understanding of family dynamics and culturally diverse expressions of family forms, and the corresponding implications for professional practice.

SOP Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates, in their scholarly and clinical work will be equipped to apply the insights of Christian theology along with the knowledge and techniques of the social and behavioral sciences.

2. Graduates will be prepared to serve underserved populations and to integrate in their practice and personal lives the disciplines of compassion and charity.

3. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and attitudes necessary to serve effectively in diverse communities locally and globally.

Fuller Seminary Learning Outcomes

1. Learning Objective #3: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to identify critical issues of diversity and make appropriate responses.

COURSE FORMAT:

The majority of this 4-unit course is offered in an asynchronous online format. Students will access lectures and assignments through Canvas. Students will also meet one hour per week synchronously with a TA to process course information. The synchronous part of the course is also mandatory, and students should plan accordingly.

REQUIRED READING:

Bryant-Davis, T. (2005). Thriving in the wake of trauma: A multicultural guide. Westport, CT: Praeger/Greenwood.

De La Torre, M.A. (2014). Doing Christian ethics from the margins, 2^nd edition. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books. ISBN-13: 978-1626980754; ISBN-10: 1626980756

Herman, J. (1997). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—from domestic violence to political terror. New York: Basic Books. ISBN-13: 978- 046508730. Retail price: $10.16.

van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and the Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books: New York. ISBN-13: 978-0143127741; ISBN-10: 0143127748 $15.60

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Weekly reflection

2. Group presentation

3. Self-care project

PREREQUISITE:

MFT Students: Completion of FT520: Child and Adolescent Therapy.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

Meets BPC Sections 4980.36(c)(1)(B),(C); 4980.36(d)(1)(A); 4980.36(d)(2)(B),(C),(F),(G); 4980.36(e) for the State of California.

FINAL EXAMINATION:

None.