This course delves into the risks and resilience of diverse family groups. The family system is presented as both a microsystem and a homeostatic system, equipping students with the necessary skills to analyze various unhealthy family dynamics. Conceptual and practical information on critical issues and problems related to working with at-risk youth and families is covered. Topics include evaluating family roles, substance use disorders and their impact on families, and basic family therapy techniques. What will you learn: Understand how gender, race and ethnicity influence families and family therapy and the family life cycle model. Know the history of family therapy, the influences of other guidance groups on family therapy, and ethical issues common to all. Explain the effectiveness of other practices, including but not limited to narrative therapy, sex therapy, and emotionally focused therapy, and how they contribute to family therapy. The benefits of family therapy when it comes to mental disorders and chronic illness.