Divorce & Mediation Therapy

Rodriguez 1

Divorce & Mediation Therapy Appalachian State University HPC 5273 Fall 2008

INSTRUCTOR: Chris P. Rodriguez, MA, LMFT TELEPHONE: (828) 262-2590 (O); (336) 413-3181 (C) EMAIL: [email protected] OFFICE: 201-B OFFICE HOURS: M & Wed. 2:30-5:00 Class: Monday 9:00-11:50 ED 224

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is designed to examine the process of divorce and mediation. Attention will be given to the history, effects and reconstruction possibilities secondary to divorce.

COURSE OBJECITVES:

1. To become familiar with divorce as a systemic process; 2. To become familiar with mediation as an alternative option to divorce litigation; 3. To explore the decision-making process and interventions associated with separation and divorce; 4. To consider the implications of custody arrangements and therapy concerning issues of custody and visitation; 5. Examine socio-political and other cultural markers associated with the divorce experience; and 6. Review and critique the outcome research pertinent to divorce therapy.

METHODS OF TEACHING:

The course will be facilitated in a learner-centered, constructivist, seminar manner. Course content will be facilitated via class discussion, lecture, multimedia and guest lecture.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1. 15 % - Attendance and participation. All class members will meet the personal and professional expectations of students as defined in the handbook of SELECTED POLICIES/PROCEDURES, Department of Human Development and Psychological Counseling. Rodriguez 2

Due to the nature of this course attendance and participation are essential elements to the class dynamic. It is the expectation of this instructor that you will be prepared in advance for each class to contribute to the class content and process. It is also the belief of this instructor that your attendance and participation is a reflection of your ongoing professional and personal development; therefore any absence beyond one will result in a reduction in your attendance and participation grade by 5pts. per occurrence. Tardiness will also be reflected in your grade.

2. 25 % - Journal Article Presentations. On an assigned date, each student will select one article from a peer reviewed journal and present salient findings to the class in seminar fashion. Please provide a summary of the article (2-4 page, double-spaced in 12 pt. font Times New Roman or Arial) along with copy of the article to the instructor at the beginning of class. A template for the summary will be provided at a later date.

3. 60 % Quizzes/Exams. To evaluate your comprehension of the course content a combination of quizzes and exams will be administered during this course. Quizzes and exams will take the form of T/F, multiple choice, and/or in combination of short answer.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

Ellis, Elizabeth, M. (2000). Divorce Wars: Interventions with families in conflict. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Ahrons, Constance R. (1994) The Good Divorce: Keeping your family together when your marriage comes apart. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publisher, Inc.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

The tenants of Appalachian State University’s Academic Integrity Code will be enforced throughout this course including but not limited to assignments and activities (in and outside of class). For more information on the Academic Integrity Code please refer to it in it’s entirety at: http://www.academicaffairs.appstate.edu/resources/integrity/code.html

Student Accommodations:

"Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Those seeking accommodations based on a substantially limiting disability must contact and register with The Office of Disability Services (ODS) at www.ods.appstate.edu or 828-262-3056. Once registration is complete, individuals will meet with ODS staff to discuss eligibility and appropriate accommodations." Rodriguez 3

Inclement Weather Policy:

In the event of inclement weather, class will be cancelled ONLY if ASU closes. Keep in mind that you are allowed ONE absence without incurring a reduction in points (however, there will be a point reduction if an assignment is missed or not turned in on the date missed). Thus, use your own discretion when deciding not to attend classes throughout the semester when inclement weather is not an issue. Classes cancelled due to ASU closing for inclement weather will be made up at the end of the semester on designated days as stated in this syllabus. Rodriguez 4

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Sept. 8 Introductions Syllabus Self-Reflection

Sept. 15 Marital Gottman Articles Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction – An Overview

Sept. 22 Divorce – An Overview Ellis Ch.1 Ahrons Ch.’s 1 & 3 Sept. 29 Decision-Making Doherty, W. (2006). Couples on the brink. Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy Networker, March/April, 30-34.

Doherty, W. (2006). To stay or not to stay. Psychotherapy Networker, March/April, 35-39 & 70.

McCarthy, B. & Ginsberg, R. (2006). The fatally flawed marriage. Pscychotherapy Networker, March/April, 40-46.

Oct. 5 Divorce as a life-cycle event Ellis Ch. 3

Oct. 12 Divorce as a Process Ahrons Ch. 4 Presentations on select articles: Stages of Divorce: Theoretical orientations/treatment implications. Student- Facilitated Discussion

Oct. 19 Legal Implications Ahrons Ch. 6 Oct. 26 Legal Implications Cohen, S. (1985). Divorce Mediation: An introduction . In Divorce Therapy (Sprenle, D. ed.) Hawthorne Press: New York. 69-78.

Hahn, R.A. & Kleist, D.M. (2000). Divorce mediation: Research and implications for families and couple counseling. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 8 (2), 165-171.

Emery, R.E., Sbarra, D., & Grover, T. (2005). Divorce mediation: Research and Reflections. Family Court Review, 43, (1), 23-37. Nov. 2 Divorce: Implications on Children Ellis, Ch. 2 & 7

Nov. 9 Divorce: Implications on Children Presentations on select articles: Facilitating children’s adjustment to divorce or treatment strategies with COD. Student-Facilitated Discussion Nov. 16 Re-Marriage/Re-Coupling Ahrons, C. 7 Presentations on select articles: Working with Blended Families. Student-Facilitated Discussion Nov. 23 A Good Divorce – What is it? Ahrons Ch.’s 2 & 8

Dec. 1 Final Rodriguez 5

RESOURCES

American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy http://www.aamft.org/index_nm.asp Journal of Marital & Family Therapy

International Association for Marriage & Family Counselors http://www.iamfc.com/ The Family Journal

National Council on Family Relations http://www.ncfr.org/ Journal of Marriage and Family Family Relations Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Family Studies