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Couple/Family Therapy Clinic
Leopoldo Chagoya, MD, FRCPC; Charlotte Chagoya, RN, Psych RN, Dip Fam Ther; Paul Vrooman, MSW
The clinic is headed by Dr. Chagoya. It provides couple/family psycho-therapy and resident teaching.
We emphasize Couple Therapy since it is a modality rarely taught in other clinical settings. Besides offering treatment, the educational program has three components:
- Continuous Case observation of couples being treated
Throughout the year, every Friday from 9 to 10:30am, Dr. L. Chagoya treats a couple in a room with a two-way mirror. Usually two or three different couples are treated sequentially to give residents the opportunity to observe several ongoing relational problems. Behind the two-way mirror, Mrs. C. Chagoya sits with the residents who attend, answering questions and commenting about the therapy process going on. Immediately after the treatment session, the residents discuss with Dr. L. Chagoya the techniques used.
- Supervision is offered to residents who wish to use it
Residents who decide to treat a couple can access one-on-one weekly supervision. They may choose one of three available supervisors; Mrs. C. Chagoya, Dr. L. Chagoya or Mr. P. Vrooman.
- Two series of 10 theory seminars on Couple Therapy
Throughout the year, theory seminars are part of the core teaching for residents in our Department. They take place on Thursdays at noon, alternating with seminars on Group Therapy. The content follows the departmental guidelines for Couple/Family Psychotherapy learning. However, residents may request we focus on specific topics they are currently interested in. The seminars frequently include videotape examples, review of references or therapy stimulation
Also, there are two electives available to the residents: one with Dr. Chagoya focusing on Couple Therapy, and one with Mrs. Chagoya focusing on HIV Concerns and Couple Therapy.
To be included, patients must have:
- Couple or family concerns, even if one or more individuals in the couple/family system are also receiving individual or group psychotherapy, or medication.
Patients cannot take part if they have:
- Acute psychotic episodes, although the spouse or family of the acutely ill individual may be seen to guide their cooperation in the management of the episode and help with the impact acute illness has on the couple or family system.
Dr. L. Chagoya
Head, Couple/Family Therapy Clinic
416-489-3997