SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
SYLLABUS
COURSE NUMBER: SOWO 852.001
COURSE TITLE: SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH COUPLES, FALL SEMESTER 2012
INSTRUCTOR:
Anne Jones, MSW, PhD
563 G Tate-Turner-Kuralt
962-6537 (O)
962-7557 (Fax)
(Email) annejone@email.unc.edu
OFFICE HOURS: Monday 1:00 – 1:50 pm or
By appointment
CLASS WEBSITE: Accessible through - https://sakai.unc.edu/. This will contain the syllabus,
assignment descriptions and grading criteria; lecture notes, cases, and external links. Please
check it periodically for announcements and make sure that you are listed for the class.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is a clinical seminar, which analyzes the operations and character
of couple therapy as a human service approach.
OBJECTIVES:
1. To develop an understanding of the dynamics of the couple/marital relationship.
2. To understand the professional social work roles, values, and ethics associated with social
work intervention specifically to couples and their families.
3. To become aware of your own values, feelings and attitudes about marriage/couple
conflict and dissolution.
4. To develop and deepen skills for diagnosis of and implementation of social intervention
strategies for marital or relationship difficulties or dysfunction.
5. To understand marital/relationship therapy from a variety of explanatory and practice
theoretical perspectives and to develop practice skills consistent with these perspectives.
6. To understand the implications and importance of race, gender, ethnicity, class, and
sexual orientation on practice with couples.
7. To understand the importance and relevance of the ecological environment and
community setting on assessment and intervention with couples.
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Gurman, A.S. (Ed.) (2008). Clinical handbook of couple therapy (4th ed.). New York:
The Guilford Press.
Taibbi, R. (2009). Doing couple therapy: Craft and creativity in work with intimate partners. New
York: The Guilford Press.
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK:
Gottman, J. M. (1999). The marriage clinic: A scientifically based marital therapy. New
York: W.W. Norton & Company.
(Very inexpensive as it has been in print for some time)
These books are available at the UNC Bookstore or can be ordered on the web (e.g.,
www.bestbookbuys.com, or www.textbooks.com)
OTHER TEXTS THAT MAY BE USEFUL:
Bobes, T. & Bobes, N.S. (2005). The couple is telling you what you need to know: Couple
directed therapy in a multicultural context. New York: W.W. Norton.
Dattilio, F. M. & Bevilacqua, L. J. (Eds.) (2000). Comparative Treatments for
Relationship Dysfunction. New York: Springer Publishing Co.
Donovan, J. M. (1999). Short-term couple therapy. New York: The Guilford Press
Gurman, A.S. & Jacobson, N.S. (Eds.) (2002). Clinical handbook of couple therapy (3rd Ed.). New
York: Guilford Press.
Halford, W.K. & Markham, H. J. (Eds.)(1997). Clinical handbook of marriage and couples
interventions. NY: John Wiley & Sons.
Harway, M. (2005). Handbook of couples therapy. New Jersey. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Hecker, L. (2010). Ethics and professional issues in couple and family therapy. New York:
Routledge.
Leavitt, J.P. (2010). Common Dilemmas in Couple Therapy. New York: Routledge.
Peters, H.E. & Kamp Dush, C.M. (eds.) (2009). Marriage and family: Perspectives and
complexities. New York: Columbia University Press.
Weeks, G. R. & Treat S.R. (2001). Couples in Treatment: Techniques and Approaches for Effective
Practice. New York: Brunner/Mazel
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
Weeks R.G., Odell, M. & Methven, S. (2005). If only I had known…Avoiding common
mistakes in couples therapy. New York: W.W. Norton.
OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS:
Belsky, J., & Kelly, J. (1994). The transition to parenthood: How a first child changes a
marriage. Why some couples grow closer and others apart. New York: Dell.
Chapman, G. (2004). The five love languages. Chicago: Northfield publishing.
DeRamus, B. (2005). Forbidden fruit: Love stories from the undgerground railroad. New York:
Atria Books.
Masling, B. (1994). The angry marriage. New York: Hyperion.
Prunty, M. (2006). Recipes for a perfect marriage. New York: Hyperion. (Fiction)
RECOMMENDED WEBSITES:
http://www.nameonline.net (National Association of Marriage Enhancement)
http://www.smartmarriages.com (Coalition for Marriage, Family and Couple Education)
www.healthymarriageinfo.org (Clearinghouse for resources and information on healthy
marriage)
Please note: There are many other links related to course material under external links on class
website
EXPANDED DESCRIPTION: This class will examine the theory, practice and utilization of effective
therapeutic interventions with couple relationships across the developmental life cycle of dyads.
A number of theoretical approaches will be presented. The course will involve lecture,
discussion, role-playing and student presentations. It is expected that students will be involved
in the course through discussion, role-plays and class presentations. The course builds on
knowledge and skills gained in the Foundation classes (including SOWO 500, 540, 501, 520, 521)
and Social Work 802 (Family Stress, Coping, and Social Support).
CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT:
The development of a supportive learning environment, reflecting the values of the social work
profession, is essential for the success of this class. A supportive learning environment is
fostered by listening to the ideas and views of others, being able to understand and appreciate a
point of view which is different from your own, articulating clearly your point of view, and linking
experience to readings and assignments. I will appreciate your contributions to making this a
safe and respectful class for learning and growth
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
ASSIGNMENTS:
There are two written assignments and two experiential assignments. The first written
assignment involves journaling three times during the semester. The journal is 2-3 pages and
involves relating course material to professional/personal experiences. Due dates are on the
syllabus. The second written assignment is a final paper in which you apply one of the
theoretical frameworks covered in the course to a written case that I will give you. The paper is
due 9:00 AM on 12/10/12.
The first experiential assignment is a role-play demonstration that is done in groups of 3 or four
and which is planned out ahead of time. The other assignment is a 30 minute team presentation
in which you research and present on the “best practices” for working with a particular couple’s
issue or problem. A more detailed assignment description is in the handout entitled,
“Assignment Description”.
BASIS FOR EVALUATION:
Attendance & participation
Role-Play and handout
Journal
Team Presentation
Final Paper
10%
25%
15%
25%
25%
GRADING SYSTEM:
H = 94 and above
P = 80 to 93
L = 70 to 79
F = 69 and below
POLICY ON INCOMPLETES & LATE ASSIGNMENTS
I prefer not to give an incomplete grade and will give incompletes only in compliance with
University policy. If an assignment is late (not handed in class on the due date), without prior
approval the grade will be reduced 10 points. The grade will continue to be reduced for each day
it continues to be late.
ATTENDANCE AND CLASS PARTICIPATION: Attendance and participation is worth 10 points.
Attendance and participation is required and the class will rely heavily on discussion. It is
expected that students will read the material and apply and discuss readings and field
experiences in class. Active listening, respect and tolerance for the views of others and a stance
of curiosity will all contribute to a safe and stimulating learning environment.
POLICY ON ACADEMIC DISHONESTY: Please refer to the APA Style Guide, The SSW Manual, and the
SSW Writing Guide for information on attribution of quotes, plagiarism and appropriate use of
assistance in preparing assignments. All written assignments should contain a signed pledge
from you stating that, “I have not given or received unauthorized aid in preparing this written
work.”
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
In keeping with the UNC Honor Code, if reason exists to believe that academic dishonesty has
occurred, a referral will be made to the Office of the Student Attorney General for investigation
and further action as required.
POLICY ON ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities which affect
their participation in the course may notify the instructor if they wish to have special
accommodations in instructional format, examination format, etc., considered.
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
CLASS SCHEDULE
SOWO 852.01 PRACTICE WITH COUPLES
Class 1: 8/21 Overview of Course and Course Requirements
 Introductions
 Brief historical perspective of marital and couple therapy
 The landscape of couples and families today
 Rationale for couple therapy
Class 2: 8/28 The Role of Culture, Beliefs, Values and Gender in Relationship Programs and
Practice
 Gender issues in couple relationships and practice
 The changing beliefs and expectations on marriage
 Practitioner held values and impact on practice
Gender Differences in Depression: A Marital Therapy Approach - Peggy Papp, MSW
Required Readings for Class 2:
Amato, P. R. (2009). Institutional, companionate, and individualistic marriage: A social
psychological perspective on marital change. In Marriage and family: Perspectives and
complexities. H. E. Peters & C. M. Kamp Dush. New York: Columbia University Press.
(T) Knudson-Martin, C. (2008). Gender issues in the practice of couple therapy. In A.S. Gurman
(Ed.). Handbook of couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 641-659). New York: The Guilford Press.
Doherty, W. (2002). Bad couples therapy: How to avoid it. Psychotherapy Networker, December.
(T) Taibbi, R. (2009). Doing couple therapy: Craft and creativity in work with intimate partners.
New York: The Guilford Press.
Chapter 1
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 What is your perspective on the ways in which cultural expectation about marriage have
changed? How might this change in paradigms effect relationships?
 Why, according to Amato, has marriage/couple relationships become a public issue?
 In your view, does the high rate of divorce, cohabitation, and non-marital births
constitute a social problem that should be of concern to social workers?
 What gendered expectations and beliefs might you bring to the case illustration of Dave
and Sonja (in Knudson-Martin article)?
 What are some common therapist mistakes and how can we avoid them?
Class 3: 9/4 Partner Formation, Developmental Transitions, and Factors Associated with
Successful Relationships – What the Research Shows
 Factors associated with partner formation across the life span
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples


Life course changes for couples with children and those without
Predictors for marital success and risk factors for dissolution in heterosexual and samesex relationships
Required Readings for Class 3:
Sassier, S. (2010). Partnering across the life course: Sex, relationships and mate selection. Journal
of Marriage and Family, 72, 557 – 575.
Umberson, D., Williams, K., Powers, D.A., Chen, M.D., & Campbell, A.M. (2005). As good as it
gets? A life course perspective on marital quality. Social Forces, 84(1), 493-511.
Gottman, J. (1999). The marriage clinic. A scientifically based marital therapy. New York: W.W.
Norton & Company.
Pages 37- top of 56) and (pgs. 87 – 96 top)
Bradbury, T. N. & Karney, B. R. (2004). Understanding and altering the longitudinal course of
marriage. Journal of Marriage and Family, 66, 862-879.
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 What are some of the differences in partnering issues and reasons for cohabitation
between younger adults and older adults?
 What are some of the most important factors identified in the last three articles
associated with marital duration and quality?
 What if anything surprised you?
Optional Readings:
Kluwer, E.S. (2010). From Partnership to Parenthood: A Review of Marital Change across the
transition to parenthood. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 2, 105-125.
Umberson, D., Tetyana, P., & Reczek, C. (2010). Parenthood, Childlessness, & Well-being: A life
course perspective. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72, 612-629.
Gottman, J.M., Levenson, R.W., Gross, J., Fredrickson, B., McCoy, K., Rosenthal, L., Ruel, A., and
Yoshimoto, D., (2003). Correlates of Gay and Lesbian Couples' Relationship Satisfaction
and Relationship Dissolution, Journal of Homosexuality, 45(1), 23-43.
Henry, N. J., Berg, C.A., Smith, T. W. & Forsheim, P. (2007). Positive and negative characteristics
of marital Interaction and their association with marital satisfaction in middle-aged and
older couples. Psychology and Aging, 22(3), 428–441.
Sandberg, J. G. & Harper, J. M. (1999). Depression in mature marriages: Impact and implications
for marital therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 25(3), 393-406.
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
Class 4: 9/11 Assessing the Couple System
 The transition to working systemically
 Guidelines on what to ask and how to ask it
 Standardized assessments
Guest Couple
JOURNAL #1 DUE
Required Readings for Class 4:
(T) Taibbi, R. (2009). Doing couple therapy: Craft and creativity in work with intimate partners.
New York: The Guilford Press.
Chapter 2 – The Basics: Clinical Goals and Tasks
Chapter 3 – Presentations, Assessments, and Goals
Chapter 4 – Beginnings in Action
(T) O’Leary. K. D. (2008). Couple therapy and Physical Aggression. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.).
th
Handbook of couple therapy (4 Ed.) (pp. 478-489). New York: The Guilford Press.
Please note: pages are only for part of the chapter
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 How does working with a couple differ from working with an individual?
 What are some of the beginning tasks for a practitioner working with a couple?
 What are some important first questions?
 What are some important steps for wrapping up at a first session?
Optional Readings:
Beograd, M. & Medeiros, F. (1999). Battering and couples therapy: Universal screening and
selection of treatment modality. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 25(3), 291- 312.
Ro, Hye-Sun & Wampler, R.S. (2009). What’s wrong with these people? Clinicians’ views of
clinical couples. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 35(1), 3-15.
Class 5: 9/18 Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy (CBCT)
 Theoretical assumptions
 Perspective on healthy and dysfunctional relationship
 Therapeutic goals
 Applications to communication issues
Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy - Arthur Freeman, EdD
Required Readings for Class 5:
(T) Baucom, D.H., Epstein, N. B. & LaTaillaide, J.J. & Kirby, J.S. (2008). Cognitive-behavioral couple
therapy. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.). Handbook of couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 31-72). New
York: The Guilford Press.
Weeks, G.R. & Treat, S.R. (2001). Couples in Treatment: Techniques and Approaches for Effective
Practice. New York: Brunner-Routledge.
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
Chapter 11 Communication Techniques (pgs. 136-48)
Chapter 13 Cognitive Techniques (pgs. 175 -192).
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 What are some of the basic premises that underlie this approach?
 How do therapists that use CBCT view dysfunctional and functional relationships?
 What are the important therapeutic aims of a therapist working from a cognitivebehavioral lens?
Optional Readings:
Sher, T.G. & Baucom, D.H. (2001). Mending a broken heart: a couples approach to cardiac risk
reduction. Applied and preventive, 10,125-133.
Class 6: 9/25 Cognitive Behavioral Couples Therapy (CBCT) Continued
 Team Role-play
 Common interventions
 Applications to problems of alcohol dependency and depression
 Strengths and limitations
Required Readings for Class 6:
(T) Taibbi, R. (2009). Doing couple therapy: Craft and creativity in work with intimate partners.
New York: The Guilford Press.
.
Chapter 5, Clearing the Clutter: Improving Communication, (pgs. 77 -95).
Dattilio, F.M. (2005). The restructuring of family schemas: A cognitive-behavior perspective,
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 31(1), 15-30.
Choose one:
(T) Birchler, G. R., Fals-Stewart, W. & O’Farrell, T. J. (2008). Couple therapy for alcoholism and
drug abuse. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.). Handbook of couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 523-544).
New York: The Guilford Press.
(T) Beach, S. R., Dreifuss, J. A., Franklin, K. J., Kamen, C. & Gabriel, B. (2008). Couple therapy and
the treatment of depression. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.). Handbook of couple therapy (4th Ed.)
(pp. 545-566). New York: The Guilford Press.
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 What are the main interventions used by a CBCT couple therapist?
 What is the role of the therapist?
 What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of CBCT?
 What are the specific mechanisms of CBT that make it so effective in work with couples
with problems of alcohol and depression?
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
Class 7: 10/2 Emotionally Focused Therapy
 Theoretical Assumptions
 Perspective on healthy and dysfunctional relationship
 Application to trauma and illness
Emotionally focused therapy with Susan M. Johnson
Required Readings for Class 7:
(T) Johnson, S. M. (2008). Emotionally focused couple therapy. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.). Handbook of
couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 107- bottom of 115). New York: The Guilford Press.
Johnson, S. M. (1998). Creating healing relationships for couples dealing with trauma: the use of
emotionally focused marital therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 24(1), 25-40.
Kowal, J. & Johnson, S. M. (2003). Chronic illness in couples: A case for emotionally focused
therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 29(3), 299-309.
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 What are some of the basic premises that underlie this approach?
 How do therapists that use EFT view dysfunctional and functional relationships?
 What are the important therapeutic aims of a therapist working from an EFT lens?
 How is a history of trauma associated with couple distress?
 In what ways can illness affect a relationship?
Optional Readings:
Johnson, S. M. (2003). Attachment theory: A guide for couples therapy. In S. M. Johnson & V.
Whiffen (Eds.), Attachment processes in couples and families (pp. 103-123). New York:
Guilford Press.
Johnson, S. M., Makinen, J. & Millikin, J. (2001). Attachment injuries in couple relationships: A
new perspective on impasses in couple therapy. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy,
27, 145-155.
Class 8: 10/9
Emotionally Focused Therapy Continued
 Team Role-play
 Stages and associated interventions
 Application to post-partum depression
 Strengths and limitations
Required Readings for Class 8:
(T) Johnson, S. M. (2008). Emotionally focused couple therapy. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.). Handbook of
couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 115-134). New York: The Guilford Press.
(T) Taibbi, R. (2009). Doing couple therapy: Craft and creativity in work with intimate partners.
New York: The Guilford Press.
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
Chapter 6 - Drilling Down: Core Issues (pp. 96-119).
Chapter 9 – The Early Years (pp. 160-174)
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 What are the three stages of EFT and the interventions associated with each phase?
 What does Taibbi mean when he talks about “core dynamics” and how might these fit
with the EFT approach?
 How are the “early years” relevant to attachment issues and formation of relational
patterns?
 What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of this approach?
Optional Readings:
Johnson, S.M. & Whiffen, V. (1999). Made to measure: adapting emotionally focused couple
therapy to partners attachment style. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 6, 366-381.
Wiffen, B. & Johnson, S.M. (1998). An attachment theory framework for the treatment of
childbearing depression. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 5,478-492.
Class 9: 10/16 Gottman Method Couple Therapy (The Sound Relationship House)
JOURNAL #2 DUE
 Theoretical Assumptions
 Perspective on healthy and dysfunctional relationship
 Therapeutic goals
Live Sessions with Julie Gottman
Required Readings for Class 9
(T) Gottman, J.M. & Gottman, J.S. (2008). Gottman method couple therapy. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.).
Handbook of couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 138-162). New York: The Guilford Press.
Gottman, J.M. (1999). The marriage clinic: A scientifically based marital therapy. New York: W.W.
Norton & Company.
Chapter 4, The Assessment of Marriage
Chapter 5, The Disasters and Masters of Marriage
Optional Readings:
www.gottman.com
http://www.psychpage.com/family/library/gottman.html
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 What are some of the basic premises that underlie this approach?
 What are the components of the Sound Relationship House?
 How does GMCT view dysfunctional and functional relationships?
 What are the important therapeutic aims of a therapist working from a GMCT lens?
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
Class 10: 10/23 Gottman Method Couple Therapy (The Sound Relationship House) Cont’d
 Team Role-play
 Key interventions
 Strengths and limitations
 Applications to male arousal and violence
Required Readings for Class 10:
Gottman, J.M. (1999). The marriage clinic: A scientifically based marital therapy. New York: W.W.
Norton & Company.
Chapter 6 – Assumptions and Intervention Overview
Chapter 8 – Solving What is Solvable
Chapter 10 – Life Dreams and Shared Meaning (Only 3 pages!)
(T) Taibbi, R. (2009). Doing couple therapy: Craft and creativity in work with intimate partners.
New York: The Guilford Press.
Chapter 10 – Re-creating the vision
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 What are some Gottman key interventions and which ones might you use in your
practice?
 How does Taibbi’s chapter on re-creating the vision reflect Gottman’s focus on life
dreams?
 What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of this approach?
Optional Readings:
(Note: Highly recommended) Wilson, B.J., and Gottman, J.M., (2002). Marital Conflict, Repair
and Parenting. In M. Bornstein (Ed.), Handbook of Parenting, Vol. 4, 227-258, Social
Conditions and Applied Parenting, M. H. Bornstein (Ed.), Lawrence Erlbaum Publishing,
New Jersey
Gottman, J.M. (1999). The marriage clinic: A scientifically based marital therapy. New York: W.W.
Norton & Company.
Chapter 11 – Resistance to change
Class 11: 10/30 Relationship Education (RE)
 What is relationship education and how does it differ from therapy?
 Rationale and research findings on effectiveness
 Structure and examples of programs
 Pathways to getting trained as a program leader
Required Readings for Class 11:
Markham, H. J. & Rhoades, G. (2012). Relationship education research: Current status and future
directions. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 38(1), 169-200.
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
Einhorn, L. Williams, T. Stanley, S., Wunderlin, N., Markham, H. & Eason, J. (2008). PREP inside
and out: Marriage education for inmates. Family Process, 47, 341-356.
Research your own program and briefly present in class – A handout and a list of programs will
be provided.
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 What is relationship education and how does it differ from therapy?
 How do Markham & Rhoades categorize RE programs?
 What do you see as the advantages or disadvantages?
 Where might couple/family education fit into your practice or area of interest?
Optional readings:
Stanley, S, Markham, H.J. & Jenkins, N.H. (2002). Making the case for premarital training. Family
Relations, 90, 272-280.
Kotria, K. & Dyer, P. (2008). Using marriage education to strengthen military families. Evaluation
of the active military life skills program. Social Work & Christianity, 35, 287-311.
Class 12: 11/6 Working with Issues of Ambivalence, Separation, and Divorce
 Considering our own values/beliefs on divorce and influence on clients
 Therapeutic and ethical issues with separating/and divorcing couples
Working with couples considering divorce- William Doherty
Required Reading:
(T) Lebow, J. (2008). Separation and Divorce Issues in Couple Therapy. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.).
Handbook of couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 459- 473). New York: The Guilford Press.
(T) Taibbi, R. (2009). Doing couple therapy: Craft and creativity in work with intimate partners.
New York: The Guilford Press.
Chapter 11, Battle and Loss: Managing the Teenage Years (pp. 209-222)
Joanning, H. & Keoughan, P. (2006). The Divorce Process: Therapeutic Interventions,
Family Therapy Magazine, 5(3), 14-16.
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 What are your thoughts about Lebow’s statement that, “the shadow of personal values
of the therapist is very powerful?”
 How might a therapist exert influence on a couple’s decision on whether or not to
divorce?
 What are your experiences, beliefs about divorce and how might they come into play for
you?
 What are some of the most effective strategies for helping couples through the divorce
process?
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
Optional Readings:
Walsh, F., Jacob, L., & Simons, V. (1995). Facilitating Healthy Divorce Processes: Therapy and
Mediation Approaches. In N. Jacobsen & A. Gurman (Eds.) Clinical Handbook of Couple
Therapy 2nd Edition (340-365), New York: The Guilford Press.
Wang, H. & Amato, P. (2000). Predictors of divorce adjustment stressors, resources and
definitions. Journal of Marriage and (the) Family, 62(3), 655-672.
No Class: 11/13 Enjoy the day!
Class 13: 11/20 Working with Remarried Couples and Stepfamilies JOURNAL #3 DUE
 Stepfamily life cycle and structural characteristics
 Common stepfamily dilemmas
 Best Practices
Required Readings:
(T) Bray, J. (2008). Couple Therapy with Remarried Partners. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.). Handbook of
couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 499-516). New York: The Guilford Press.
(T) Taibbi, R. (2009). Doing couple therapy: Craft and creativity in work with intimate partners.
New York: The Guilford Press.
Chapter 12, One Big Happy Family: Working with Stepfamilies.
Jones, A. (2003). Reconstructing the Stepfamily: Old Myths, New Stories. Social Work, 48(2),
228-236.
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 How do stepfamilies differ developmentally from the biological nuclear family?
 What are some of the most common challenges that repartnered parents face?
 What are the best practices for therapists?
 What comes to your mind when you think about stepfamilies and stepparents?
Optional Readings:
Skogrand, L., Torres, E., & Higginbotham, B.J. (2010). Stepfamily education: Benefits of a group
formatted intervention. The Family Journal. 18:234.
Class 14: 11/27 Working with LGBT and racial minority couples
 Common stressors and unique strengths
 Therapeutic interventions
 Reflections on our own culture
 Talking about culture and race with our clients
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
Required Readings:
(T) Green, R. & Mitchell, B. (2008). Gay and Lesbian Couples in Therapy: Minority Stress,
Relational Ambiguity, and Families of Choice. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.). Handbook of couple
therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 662-680). New York: The Guilford Press.
Markowitz, L. (1997). The cultural context of intimacy. Family Therapy Networker, 21(5), 51-58.
(T) Boyd-Franklin, N., Kelly, S. & Durham, J. (2008). African-American couples in therapy. In A.S.
Gurman (Ed.). Handbook of couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 681-697). New York: The Guilford
Press.
Bean, R. A., Perry, B. J., & Bedell, T. M. (2001). Developing culturally competent marriage and
family therapists: Guidelines for working with Hispanic families. Journal of Marital and
Family Therapy, 27(1), 43-54.
Reading prompts - Please consider as you read:
 Both couples of color and same-sex couples experience oppression and discrimination.
How are these external stressors similar and different?
 Why is it important for therapists to recognize and be able to externalize about these
stressors?
 What was the mistake that the therapist made in the Markowitz article?
Optional Readings:
Josephson G. (2003). Using an attachment-based intervention with same-sex couples. In S. M.
Johnson & V. Whiffen (Eds.), Attachment processes in couples and families. (pp. 300-320).
New York: Guilford Press.
Edin, K. & Reed, J (2005). Why don’t they just get married? Barriers to marriage
among the disadvantaged. Marriage and Child Welfare, 15(2), 117-137.
Class 15: 12/4 Infidelity, Ethical Issues & Wrap-up
 Kinds and patterns of infidelity
 Practice recommendations
 Components of ethical practice
 Reflections and Wrap-up
Required Readings:
(T) Gottlieb, M. C., Lasser, J., & Simpson, G.L. (2008). Legal & ethical issues in couple therapy. In
A.S. Gurman (Ed.). Handbook of couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 698-714). New York: The
Guilford Press.
(T) Gordon, K. C., Baucom, D.H. Snyder, Dixon, L. J. (2008). Couple therapy and the Treatment of
Affairs. In A.S. Gurman (Ed.). Handbook of couple therapy (4th Ed.) (pp. 429-456). New
York: The Guilford Press.
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SOWO 852 SW Practice with Couples
Reading prompts - Please consider as you reflect on ending this course
 How do you think you would be most comfortable handling secrets?
 What do you see as the most important components of ethical practice with couples?
 What did you like best or least about the course?
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