Winter 2021
FT533
Bertrand/Lewis
FT533: VULNERABLE FAMILY SYSTEMS:
ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH DISPARITIES & COMPLEX TRAUMA. Blanca Bertrand,
LMFT and Bonnie Lewis, LMFT
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide a broad
overview of the mental health adjustment of populations that are often exposed
to potentially traumatic events. The main focus of this course will be centered
on understanding and treating four systems that are informed by trauma, abuse
and neglect within individuals and family systems: the social engagement
system, the internal family system of an individual, the central nervous system
and the spiritual system. The developmental impacts on children and families
will be reviewed based on Erickson΄s stages of
development. State of the art assessment and evidence-based treatment models
for individuals will be reviewed.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1.
Students will become familiar with the role secure attachment
plays in a child΄s development and how to work
with attachment disruptions.
2.
Students will gain basic knowledge about the impacts of repeated
abuse, trauma and attachment disruptions in children, adolescents and families.
3.
Students will become familiar with the phases of trauma treatment
and therapeutic models for each phase, as well as be prepared to deliver
promising intervention strategies for individuals, couples and families.
4.
Students will gain an appreciation for a Christian commitment to
professional practice as service to those systems affected by trauma, abuse and
attachment disruptions.
5.
Students will gain an understanding of the role of prevention and
early intervention for children and families at risk for developing mental
health problems.
RELATIONSHIP TO SCHOOL AND
SEMINARY 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:
This 4 unit
course will meet on Zoom for three hours once per week. The class format will
include lectures, video presentations, experiential training, guest lectures,
and class discussions.
REQUIRED READING:
Courtois, C., Ford, J., Van der
Kolk, B., and Herman, J. Eds. (2013). Treating Complex Traumatic Stress
Disorders: An Evidence-Based Guide. New York: Guilford Press. ISBN-13:
978-14612513390
Osofsky,
J. D. (2011). Clinical Work with Traumatized Young Children. Guilford
Press: New York, NY. ISBN-10: 1609182065, ISBN-13: 978-1609182069. $43.88
van der
Kolk, Bessel (2014). The Body Keeps the
Score: Brain, Mind and the Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books:
New York. ISBN13: 978-0143127741; ISBN-10: 0143127748
REREQUISITE:
MFT Students: Completion of
FT520: Child and Adolescent Therapy.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM:
1.
Core requirement for the MSMFT.
2.
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