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Systemic and Family Intervention

Code 11778
Year 1
Semester S2
ECTS Credits 5
Workload T(30H)/TP(30H)
Scientific area Psychology
Entry requirements -
Learning outcomes This course aims to develop knowledge on models and systemic/family intervention strategies, providing a broad overview about different types of intervention in this area. At the end, students should be able to:
- understand the theoretical assumptions and concepts underlying systemic and family intervention;
- know different types of systemic intervention;
- apply systemic thinking and principles to different problems, especially in working with families;
- apply techniques underlying different models of systemic / family intervention;
- reflect upon ethical responsibilities in systemic intervention;
- analyse scientific information.
Syllabus 1. Systemic paradigm: theoretical and fundamental concepts
(Theoretical bases of the Systemic Model, Family life Cycle, From systemic thinking to intervention, Psychopathology from a systemic perspective
2. Models and methods of systemic intervention.
(Professional and ethical questions; Types and modalities; Working with individuals; Family Therapy, Intervention with Couples, others)
3. Techniques and strategies in systemic and family intervention.
(Assessment and intervention tools in systemic practice - genogram, ecomap, others; techniques to promote change - Solution-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, others)


Main Bibliography - Bray, J. & Stanton, M. (2013). The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Family Psychology.Blackwell Publishing.
- Goldenberg, H. & Goldenberg, I. (2013). Family therapy: An overview (8th Edition). Brooks Cole.
- Gouveia-Pereira, M. & Miranda, M. (2021). Manual de terapia familiar: teoria, avaliação e intervenção sistémica. Pactor.
-Glick, I. D., Rait, D. S., Heru, A. M., & Ascher, M. (2016). Couples and family therapy in clinical practice (5th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
- Nichols, M. (2014). Family therapy: Concepts and metholds. Pearson.
- Relvas, A.P. & Major, S. (2017). Avaliação familiar. Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra.
- Smith-Acuña, S. (2011). Systems theory in action: Application to individual, couple and family therapy. New Jersey & Sons.
- Vetere, A. & Rudi, D. (2018). Working systemically families: formulation, intervention and evolution. Routledge.
- Walsh, F. (2015). Normal family processes: Growing diversity and complexity (4th Edition). The
Guildford Press.
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria Teaching methodologies: component of exposition of content in the form of theoretical explanations and/or practical examples, to introduce basic concepts and provide a basis for subsequent learning; individual and group analysis of theoretical and theoretical-practical materials and practical cases; training of intervention techniques through role-play and classroom simulation. Flipped learning strategies, with discussions, practical exercises, dynamization of themes worked on by the students. Evaluation strategies: Knowledge assessment tests, activities carried out in contact sessions and/or group work. Throughout the semester, theoretical-practical activities will be carried out to consolidate knowledge and skills.

Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2025-03-31

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