An Introduction to Working Systemically with Individuals, Couples and Families

Learn the systemic approach to relationships and how they relate to people’s actions and communications. Develop different perspectives and new approaches to your work as a professional working with families, couples and individuals. Gain a level of professional accreditation, and potentially start on the road to becoming a qualified family therapist.

This module forms the first part of our PG Cert Family Therapy & Systemic Practice course

Every individual is part of a network of significant relationships. The systemic approach explores and uses this network, looking at the beliefs which give meaning to people's actions and focusing particularly on communication. It hears people's stories and helps them to make new sense of things.

This course is for healthcare staff and other professionals who work with families, couples and individuals. It will help you get to grips with systemic working and thinking. You’ll learn different perspectives on the work you do, and a new approach to working with families, individuals and couples.

The course won’t qualify you as a family therapist, but it does have dual accreditation with the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and the Association of Family Therapy (AFT). It’s the equivalent of the first year of four years' training to qualify as a family therapist – so it’s ideal for anyone who would like to go on to do that.

You’ll submit one 3,000-word essay and a portfolio which includes an 1,800-word reflective account of your learning. Additionally, to comply with the professional bodies (UKCP and AFT), you'll attend two skills-based sessions in June and July.