0324 - Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT): An Advanced Approach

Course Description

Hours: 12

Ecosystemic structural family therapy (ESFT) is an evidence-based, trauma and attachment-focused approach that uses specific tools for family interventions. The tools and techniques used in this modality help illustrate circular patterns and behaviours that negatively impact family dynamics. 

This advanced level Professional Development course will provide participants with an in-depth view of the ecosystemic structural family therapy model, tools used in this model and the stages of its treatment. 

Treatment Philosophy  
ESFT is informed by Salvador Minuchin’s structural family therapy approach, which was enhanced by Dr. Marion Goldberg at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Centre by adding on the ecosystemic focus that implies that each child is treated in the context of their family and their extended relationships within the community they live in with a trauma and attachment-based focus.

In this two-day course, didactic presentations, video-recorded examples of sessions and case studies will be used to illustrate the learning points.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course participants will be able to:

• Describe the stages of ESFT.
• Recognize the use of genograms, relational timelines and ecomaps in sessions. 
• Know how to elicit core negative interactional patterns. 
• Understand how to stage reenactments within sessions.

Please note that this is an advanced level course that goes in-depth to explain the specific ecosystemic structural family therapy approach. It is not a foundational family therapy Professional Development course and will not cover other types of family therapy models, including systems theory. 

Note: This course was formerly named Ecosystemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT)

Notes

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Counselling Techniques Certificate : Counselling Techniques
• Family and Couples Counselling : Family and Couples Counselling