Courses

This course introduces the classic and post-modern family systems concepts and theories. Multiple models of family systems therapy will be presented to provide a framework for conceptual integration and application to clinical practice. Throughout the course students will be encouraged to assess and integrate family therapy theories with a Christian worldview. This course also provides opportunities for professional development through personal reflection and the construction of an integrated therapeutic perspective on the process of change and care within family therapy.

This course introduces students to conceptual, executive, and perceptual therapy skills, including forming a therapeutic relationship, clinical documentation, crisis management and countertransference issues. The skills will be acquired in class lectures and exercises as well as weekly practice sessions with their peers. Issues that are related to diversity and power and privilege as they relate to the areas of age, gender, sexual orientation, health/ability, culture, SES, spirituality, and ethnicity will also be addressed. Open only to MAMFT graduate students or with special permission.

This course will cover the assessment and treatment of major psychopathologies of the DSM–5. Students will gain familiarity with the DSM, and alternative approaches to psychological distress. Students will learn about various diagnostic techniques and some psychological assessment tools relevant to the disorders studied. MFT specific assessment perspectives and practices will be covered within the course, and psychopharmacological treatment of the different disorders will also be addressed. The role of spirituality in psychological dysfunction and well-being will be explored.

This course provides students with an understanding of clinical research methods and design. Additionally, this course addresses the relevance of research to students’ clinical work. Students will investigate existing research and research methods used in MFT, including quantitative and qualitative and mixed methods designs. Ethical issues and considerations in research will also be addressed, as well as learning to critically evaluate existing research. A primary aim of this course is to help students become evidence-based practitioners and navigate how to critically evaluate current research.

This course provides 140 hours of supervised experience by a qualified faculty member and site supervisor. Students must have at least 40 hours of direct client contact (10 additional group hours gained through group class) and meet weekly for individual and group supervision. Practicum is demanding and challenging. Students need to be aware that it is common to exceed 140 hours of involvement and plan to allot sufficient time for focused involvement. Supervision will also include client concerns related to diversity aspects including age, gender, sexual orientation, health/ability, culture, spirituality, ethnicity, power, and privilege.

Focuses on continued development of therapeutic skills, exploring Person of the Therapist and Signature Themes, as well as practical training on informed consent, confidentiality, and developing treatment plans. The Clinical Coordinator will assist students applying for external clinical practice placements and understanding the necessary paperwork for recording hours. Supervision will also include client concerns related to diversity aspects including age, gender, sexual orientation, health/ability, culture, spirituality, ethnicity, power, and privilege.

This course introduces the theory and practice of multicultural counselling and family therapy including various aspects of diversity: identity formation, race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, spirituality, ability/disability, and aging. Students will have the opportunity to explore their own culturally informed belief systems, values, and practices. Research and class content will focus on knowledge and understanding worldviews that underlie client behavior, relationships, and resources. Ethical issues and culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on integration of personal awareness, theoretical knowledge, and contextual clinical competencies.

An advanced course in Marital and Family Therapy, the course will focus on theories of family therapy, practical application of theory to therapy situations, clinical skill building and spiritual issues as they relate to Marriage and Family Therapy. It is assumed that students have had prior learning of Systems Theory. Students will be required to actively participate in the learning modules. Students will be required to apply the concepts learned to personal and group projects. Issues that are related to diversity and power and privilege as they relate to the areas of age, gender, sexual orientation, health/ability, culture, SES, spirituality, and ethnicity will also be addressed.

This course provides students with an introduction to group theory and acquisition of group leadership skills. Also included will be group development, ethical considerations, and the use of groups in church, parachurch and community mental health settings. The course will be taught from a relational/systems perspective. Using key theories of group counseling and family systems models, the class will explore attachment issues, recapitulation of family of origin in the group, boundary setting, and other individual/relational dynamics that occur in group work. The course includes an in-class group experience for facilitation skill building and person of the therapist development.