Studies in Pastoral Counselling: Marriage and Family

Prerequisites, corequisites or exclusions

Nil

Academic Staff

Kirollos Saleeb, Master of Counselling (University of Notre Dame),
BSSc (Criminology) (University of Western Sydney)

Curriculum Objectives

This course unit introduces students to the theoretical perspectives of family therapy whilst concurrently integrating theological perspectives. It seeks to equip the pastoral practitioner to work effectively with engaged couples, families, married couples and individuals.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. assess, analyse and synthesise information in relation to biblical models of marriage and family life, and compare and contrast these with models prevalent in contemporary society
2. establish a thorough knowledge of the universal themes of Family Therapy and the unique contribution and clinical application of the various models
3. integrate the family life cycle stages, and literature on related issues, with the student’s theological perspective, and derive implications for the Christian counsellor and Pastoral carer
4. show a critical appreciation of the need for professional and personal reflection and evaluation in shaping the student’s individual counselling perspective and style
5. exhibit a well-developed competency and evaluation in the development and practice of relationship preparation skills

Content

1. Biblical and contemporary views of marriage and family
2. Preparation for marriage
3. Systems Therapy and use of various tools such as Genograms; Lifemaps; Spiritual Ecograms
4. Family Therapies
5. Attachment, bonding and intimacy
6. Positioning of the counsellor/pastoral care worker, chaplain in relationship to the family as expressed in the different therapies
7. Singles, single parents, grandparents
8. Gender issues in marriage and family
9. Power in couple relationships
10. The role and resolution of conflict in relationships
11. Sexuality
12. The changing shape of families

Attendance Requirements

Because of the interpersonal nature of this unit, the following attendance requirements apply:

• Local students in the Sydney region (excluding Wollongong and Newcastle) must attend face-to-face.
• Students outside of Sydney in a compatible time zone must attend live online with cameras on.
• Only students in non-compatible time zones may watch recorded lectures.