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Family and Couples Counselling

Participants learn how to assess family systems and define problematic couple and family dynamics. The course emphasizes and identifies techniques in the application of systemic/structural and narrative approaches to family therapy and develops an awareness of the verbal and nonverbal messages that tend to dominate patterns of family interaction. The course provides skill development opportunities for learning a variety of assessment and intervention techniques.

Course Objectives

This course provides students with academic and experiential learning opportunities. This approach will enable them to engage families and couples in a therapeutic process, facilitating positive change and growth.

Through the development of a comprehensive understanding of family of origin issues, health and deficits students will learn to assess problem areas and to intervene accordingly. Students will learn the developmental aspects essential for personal growth and self-actualization.

Particular attention will be paid to issues of enmeshment, disengagement and self-defeating internal scripts lingering from childhood. Intervention strategies for the healing of unresolved losses, low self-worth, suicidal ideation and family dysfunction will be discussed and demonstrated.

Before the end of this course, students will demonstrate the following:

  1. Core assessment and counselling techniques for working effectively with couples and families
  2. An understanding of theoretical frameworks as they relate to intervening effectively with couples and families
  3. A knowledge of the indicators and characteristics of historical patterns of dysfunction, attachment theory and how early development affects relational interacting
  4. Knowledge and application of the healing and forgiveness principles in resolving childhood trauma impacting current health and functioning
  5. Application of techniques of reframing, various family therapy techniques and development of awareness and compassion
  6. Knowledge and understanding of the concepts of triangulation, enmeshment, differentiation and disengagement

Additional Information

Found in These Programs: Life Skills Counsellor Certificate, Life Coach Diploma, Addiction Counselor Diploma, Wellness Counsellor Diploma, Professional Counsellor Diploma

Course Type: Daytime (FT)

Course Length: 1 week

Course Hours: 30

Prerequisites: COUN 100

Other Requirements: Enrollment in Life Skills Counsellor Certificate or any Diploma program.

Accreditation & Recognition

Rhodes Wellness College has been delivering education since 1996, establishing connections within the industries we and our students serve. Committed to maintaining high standards and safeguarding public trust, our programs are accredited and recognized by leading associations that uphold stringent educational standards, ensuring excellence and competency in coaching, counselling, nutrition, and wellness. Please click here to learn more about our accreditation and the recognition we have earned in the field.



  • PCTIA
  • EQA
  • Imagine
  • CPCA
  • ACCT



  • PCTIA
  • EQA
  • Imagine
  • CPCA
  • ACCT

Rhodes Wellness College is regulated by the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.

Designated B.C. Private Training Institutions Branch & Shield Design mark is a certification mark owned by the Government of British Columbia and used under licence. To view our college’s PTIB “Designation Certificate”, please click here