The Role of Emotions in Clinical Social Work

Catalog description

This course aims to provide a basic understanding of the complexity of research on emotions since Darwin's seminal work, and to provide practical and clinical knowledge and experience in two prevalent and different therapy techniques that focus on emotions. Theory, study and experience of emotions will first be examined generally and then through the clinical and theoretical underpinnings of Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Therapy (AEDP) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). The course will provide an overview of these therapy techniques specifically concentrating on the way they view and utilize emotions in the work with clients. In class we will ask and try to answer: What are emotions? Are there basic and universal emotions? Why and how are emotions wired into our mind and body? What is the connection between emotions and attachment? What happens when we don't allow our emotions to be felt? What are pathologies that are connected with emotion suppression and regulation/dysregulation, and how do DBT and AEDP suggest to treat them? This class will also have an experiential component allowing students to practice skills teaching and watching videos of real sessions utilizing these techniques.