Marriage and Family Therapy Curriculum

 

Curriculum Description

 

          Marriage and Family Therapy deals with the same range of mental health problems as other professionals. However, in family" therapy we focus on the natural resources of families, couples and individuals. Moreover, help is offered to families to discover practical and often brief ways to solve dilemmas and problems.

 

          The Masters' Curriculum in Marriage and Family Therapy is designed to train competent, professional marriage and family therapists with a secure grounding in a variety of approaches to family therapy. Students follow a program of courses and practicum/internship experiences designed to provide them with knowledge and skills in family systems theory, human development across the life cycle, research, the practice of therapy and professional ethics. The therapy courses along with clinical practicum and internship give students the opportunity to learn a variety of family therapy models.

 

          The major models taught are Structural Family Therapy, Strategic Therapy, Solution- Focused Therapy, Collaborative Language Systems Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Students are also presented a review of all other models of therapy generally considered to be a part of the family therapy movement. Thorough grounding in these models of therapy along with clinical preparation provides a context in which students can evolve as therapists possessing their own unique approach to therapy.

 

          The format of the curriculum involves coursework, intense supervised experience in the University of Alabama's Family Therapy Clinic and a one-year internship. Supervised training in the Clinic involves live supervision and reflecting teams. An internship year provides students with an intense experience conducting therapy with families, couples and individuals. Generally, coursework and practicum/internship involves approximately a two and a half year commitment. Students are required to carry liability insurance during practicum and internship.

 

          The curriculum in Marriage and Family Therapy has been reviewed and endorsed by the Alabama Board of Licensure for Marriage and Family Therapy. Furthermore, completion of the curriculum and subsequent licensure also leads to Clinical Membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Licensure can be transferred to most states in the United States.

 

          Students graduate with an M.S. Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. As such, the student must complete requirements set forth by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Human Environmental Sciences.

Objectives

 

♦       To provide a comprehensive knowledge of family therapy theory, practice and research.

 

♦       To provide a comprehensive knowledge of general family theory and research.

 

♦       To help develop the ability to function as a competent family therapist in the community.

 

♦       To help develop an ability to provide and evaluate marriage and family therapy incorporating current strategies and theories.

 

♦       To facilitate the development of a professional identity as a marriage and family therapist.

 

Criteria for Admission to the Curriculum

 

The Human Development and Family Studies Department requires transcripts of applicants' undergraduate/graduate coursework, GRE or MAT scores, three letters of recommendation from persons knowledgeable of the applicant's academic preparation and potential and a statement of personal goals and objectives.

 

The Marriage and Family Therapy curriculum also requires a personal, on-Campus interview with all applicants. It is necessary given the nature of clinical work that applicants must have well-developed interpersonal skills and professional poise as demonstrated during the on-campus interview.

 

Procedures for Evaluating Students' Progress

 

Given the critical nature of the work we do, students are evaluated on a continuous basis. During the fall and spring semesters, faculty meet in order to share observations concerning each masters degree student and determine his/her readiness to continue to the next practicum or internship experience. Evaluation continues throughout the two-year training period as supervisors observe students' clinical work on videotape and from behind a one-way mirror.

 

Evaluation Criteria Used For Continuation in Practicum and Internship:

 

♦       Academic performance in coursework.

♦       Supervisor's evaluation of the student's clinical work during the semester.

♦       Demonstration of professional responsibility (e.g., preparation for class, practicum).

♦       Commitment to professional ethics.

♦       Willingness to follow policies regarding practicum, clients and client files.