Spring, 2020

FT522

Turns

FT522: ASSESSMENT OF INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES, AND FAMILIES (4 units). Brie Turns, PhD

DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an overview of approaches to the assessment of relationship problems with individuals, couples, and families. Emphasis is placed on psychometric theory and the use of relevant psychological testing instruments for assessment and research in clinical work.

cOURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Students will gain skills to appropriately assess individuals, couples and families with an aim toward the determination of a plan of treatment in counseling situations.

2. Students will gain skills in the administration, scoring, interpretation, and application of results from commonly used assessment tools for clinical work.

3. Students will be familiar with theoretical concerns related to test construction, administration, and interpretation.

4. Students will gain knowledge of basic test related statistical concepts.

5. Students will gain an understanding of the legal, ethical and clinical issues associated with the use of assessment measures.

6. Students will gain an understanding of the strengths and limitations of models of assessment and diagnosis, as they relate to different cultural, economic, and ethnic groups.

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. Specifically this class will cover objective No. 2.2: Students will understand the strengths and limitations of models of assessment and diagnosis, as they relate to different cultural, economic, and ethnic groups.

2. Learning outcome 4: Graduates of the MSMFT will demonstrate the clinical and ethical competence commensurate with the expectations of post-graduate MFT internship placement. Specifically, the following domains of competence will be covered: 1) intake and admission to treatment, 2) clinical assessment and diagnosis, and 3) treatment planning and case management

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:

This course will meet once a week for approximately three hours. The class format will include lectures, discussion and in-class assessment exercises.

REQUIRED READING:

Gehart, D.R., & Tuttle, A.R. (2002). Theory-Based Treatment Planning for Marriage and Family Therapists: Integrating Theory and Practice. Pacific Grove, CA: Cengage. ISBN-10: 0534536166, $109.66

Neukrug, E.S., & Fawcett, R.C. (2014). Essentials of Testing and Assessment: A Practical Guide for Counselors, Social Workers, and Psychologists, 3^rd edition. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole: ISBN-10: 1285454243, $164.45

Williams, L., Edwards, T. M., Patterson, J. & Chamow, L. (2014). Essential assessment skills for couple and family therapists. New York: The Guilford Press. ISBN-10: 1462516408, $28.51

RECOMMENDED READING:

Antony, M. A, & Barlow, D. A., (Eds.). (2011). Handbook of assessment and treatment planning for psychological disorders, 2^nd ed. NY: Guilford Press. ISBN-10: 1462504493, $64.89

Corcoran, K., & Fischer, J. (2013). Measures for clinical practice: A sourcebook: Volume 1: Couples, families, and children, 5th ed. New York: Free Press. ISBN-10: 0199778582, $79.85

Kaslow, F. W. (Ed.). (1996). Handbook of relational diagnosis and dysfunctional family patterns. New York: Wiley & Sons, ISBN-10: 0471080780, $130.00.

ASSIGNMENTS:

In-class administration and scoring exercises, case conceptualizations in the form of intake reports and treatment plans.

PREREQUISITES:

Must be admitted to the MS MFT program.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:

1. Meets a core requirement for the MSMFT.

2. Meets AAMFT domains 2.1; 2.2; 3.2.

3. Meets BPC Sections 4980.36(c)(1)(C); 4980.36(d)(2)(A); 4980.36(d)(2)(F) for the State of CA.

FINAL EXAMINATION:

Yes.