Hofstra University

School of Education and Human Services

Department of Health Professions and Family Studies

THERAPY WITH THE SINGLE PARENT FAMILY HOUSEHOLD

MFT 311 Dr. Joan D. Atwood

Summer Session I

1.5 S.H.

COURSE OUTLINE

Office Phone: 516-463-5756

E-Mail: CPRJDA@Hofstra.Edu

Office Hours: To be announced.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course studies the phenomenon of the custodial single-parent household system, how it has evolved, and how this family differs in structure and process from the traditional two-parent family household. The unique qualities, resources, and issues of the single-parent household are examined in relation to family roles, alliances, and interactional patterns. Therapeutic interventions are presented and the therapeutic use of self is explored. These issues are examined in light of current research with emphasis on methodological issues, along with an examination of the socially constructed myths and assumptions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

This course familiarizes the student with a brief history of the development of the single parent family household, including an exploration of research in this area and the associated methodological issues. It presents the different emotional reactions of single parents and the therapeutic interventions associated with each.

When the student has successfully completed this course, s/he will be expected to:

· be familiar with the history of the single parent family household.

· be aware of the differences between the single parent household and the two parent household in terms of structure, process and issues.

· be familiar with the recent research in the field and the common methodological issues associated with research in this field.

· be exposed to the traditional therapeutic approaches to working therapeutically with the single parent household.

· be aware of the more typical family issues and problems these families bring to the therapeutic setting.

· through the use of video tapes and role playing, explore the roles of the family members in family therapy.

· explore the role of the therapist in working with these families.

· explore these objectives in a collaborative, culture-gender sensitive manner.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

Students are required to purchase all required and recommended books and are responsible for reading these books in their entirety.

BOOKS:

1. Dinkmeyer, D., McJay, G. & McKay, J. (1987). New Beginnings: Skills for Single Parents and Stepfamily Parents. Illinois: Research Press. 0-87822-286-3.

2. Fricke, J. & Elmen, J. (1987). On Our Own: A Single Parent’s Survival Guide. Massachusetttes: D.C. Heath & Co. 0-669-15086-X.

3. Lindblad-Goldberg, M. (1987). Clinical Issues in Single Parent Households. Maryland: Aspen. 0-89443-623-6.

4. Morawetz, A. & Walker, G. (1984). Brief Therapy with Single Parent Families. New York: Brunner/Mazel. 0-87630-350-5.

5. Atwood, J. and Genovese, F. (1993). Counseling Single Parents. Va: American Counseling Association. 1-55620-114-1.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Students are responsible for all reading materials, class attendance, and a thorough therapeutically focused research paper, the details of which will be announced in class. Grade for the course will be based on the following: Research Paper ( 40%), Class Projects (30%), Meaningful Classroom Participation (20%), and Classroom Attendance (10%).

Personal Exploration:

Throughout the semester, students are asked to explore the following ideas:

· Where did you learn about your attitudes and values toward the single parent household?

· What early messages were you given about this type of family system?

· What did you learn from your parents about this type of family system? How do you think they influenced your attitude, meaning

and belief systems?

· How do you think your particular, unique socialization history will influence your working therapeutically with single parent family households?

· Do you think that the very issues, problems you "see" in these families, the very questions you ask, and the therapeutic options you choose are influenced by your own personal history? Your culture? Your gender? Your society? How specifically?

COURSE CONTENT:

SECTION I: INTRODUCTION

Introduction to General Systems Theory

Modernist vs. Post Modernist Assumptions

Modernist vs. Post Modernist Therapies

SECTION II: SINGLEHOOD

Identity Transitions

Emotional Reactions

Socially Single Again

The Stereotypes

Psychologically Single Again

Emotional Stages and Reactions

SECTION III: THERAPY WITH THE SINGLE PARENT FAMILY HOUSEHOLD

General Concerns Among Single Parent Family Household

A Structural Approach to the Single Parent Household

Cognitive Behavioral Principles

Single Parent Household Case History

Therapy Techniques and Considerations

SECTION IV: HELPING SINGLE PARENTS WITH THEIR DATING AND SEXUAL CONCERNS

Sex and Single Parents

The Single Mother

The Single Father

Therapeutic Considerations

SECTION V: THE SPECIAL CASE OF WIDOWHOOD

Psychological Differences Between Divorce and Widowhood

U.S. Widowhood Rates

Discussion of Widowhood Rates

Social Aspects of Widowhood

Psychological Aspects of Widowhood

The Widow

The Widower

Widowhood and Children

Therapeutic Considerations

SECTION VI: THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH AND METHODOLOGY

The Old Research

Wallerstein

The Methodological Problems

Current Research and Approaches

Hetherington

Ahrons

SECTION VII: A SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIONIST MODEL FOR THERAPY WITH THE SINGLE PARENT FAMILY