courses

For an up-to-date listing of course offerings, check BannerWeb. 

course descriptions

The heart of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program is the careful blending of the theory and practice of marital and family therapy. The program's courses include:

MFT 562-563 - Marriage & Family Therapy Practicum I & II in Beginning Case Management and Clinical Skill Development
Two hundred and fifty hours of clinical experience is required over a minimum of two semesters. The student is expected to see individuals in therapy, conduct supervised visits, lead anger management groups, and act as a co-therapist in couples and family therapy at the department's Marital and Family Therapy Clinic. In addition, the student may begin an outside placement for a limited number of hours. A supervision group at the university affords the student the opportunity to watch live therapy from behind the viewing mirror and to be a part of the group supervision of these cases.

MFT 587 - Family Therapy Outcome Research
Survey of research methods particular to family therapy. Highlights findings from family therapy outcome research. Students will be expected to participate in a class research project and to complete a single case experiment. Prerequisite: department permission. 3 credits.

MFT 588 - Family Assessment
An extensive study of the assessment of family systems from a structural perspective with introductions to other models of assessment. Prerequisites: MFT 597, 598 and department permission. 3 credits.

MFT 597 - Family of Origin
An intensive study of each student's trans-generational family of origin and intergenerational patterns of interaction. Patterns and themes are studied as systemic links between past and present interactional processes. 3 credits.

MFT 598 - Family Systems Theory I
An overview of general systems theory, followed by an exploration of various systematic approaches to family therapy including assessments from each theory. 3 credits.

MFT 610 - Marital Systems and Couples Therapy
Focusing on the components of the couple system, the course will cover interactional styles, the relationship development cycle, couples crises, assessments of the intimate relationship, therapeutic models, and intervention strategies. Students will be able to observe a live couples group and follow one couple case in therapy throughout the semester. 3 credits. 

MFT 620 - Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues in Marriage and Family Therapy
An examination of situations such as custody, termination of parental rights, etc., occurring in marriage and family therapy which mandate an understanding of laws and legal prodedures. 3 credits.

MFT 658 - Topics in Family Studies
An overview of major current topics such as adoption, alcoholism, eating disorders, violence, incest, and ethnicity, including treatment interventions in each instance. Prerequisite: department permission. 3 credits.

MFT 662-663-664 - MFT Internship in Intermediate and Advanced Case Management and Clinical Skill Development, I, II, and III
Students work with couples and families both in an agency setting and at the Family Clinic while attending weekly supervision seminars. A total of 500 clinical hours must be completed with a minimum of 300 of these being with couples and families present in the treatment room. 50 of these hours must be accrued at the Marital and Family Therapy Clinic under direct, live supervision. Connecticut state regulations for licensure mandate that hours must be accrued in a maximum of 24 months with a minimum of 12 consecutive months in one clinical placement. Students receive individual and group supervision with a minimum of 50 hours of direct, live supervision. (Courses may be repeated as needed to meet clinical hours requirement.)

MFT 668 - Family Systems Theory II
An advanced course focusing on an investigation of specific brief strategic models. Content and practice includes circular questioning, the reflecting team, the use of strategic assignments and others. Prerequisite: department permission. 3 credits.

MFT 672: Understanding the Treatment of Substance Addictions in Couples and Families              Family Systems view of the development and maintenance of substance abusing patterns and addiction. This course will focus on theories and treatment practices from the systemic, postmodern and evidence-based approaches to couples and family therapy.

MFT 673: Treatment Issues in MFT: Integrating Spirituality & Religion                                    Applications of systems approach to treatment of families in crisis and transition. Consideration of the role of spirituality and religion in understanding family dynamics, developing solutions to problems, and building on strengths and resilience.

MFT 505 - Gestalt Therapy - Introduction
Participants are introduced to Gestalt methodology and techniques. Prerequisite: departmental permission. 3 credits.

MFT 506 - Gestalt Therapy - Intermediate
This course is a continuation of the Gestalt Therapy theory, dialogical processes, and therapist's use of self as an instrument of change will be developed. 3 credits.

 SWK 552 - Psychopathology                                                                                                               Identify and understand etiology, symptoms and course of psychiatric disorders. Impact of bio-psychosocial variables, genetic factors, and human diversity on onset and course of psychopathology will be studied. Prerequisites: Matriculated Social Work students only, SWK 550, SWK 521. Scheduled fall, spring and summer semesters. 3 credits.

Electives 

MFT 517 - Gestalt Therapy - Advanced
Theoretical basis for Gestalt approaches, including the functions of the Gestalt therapist, contact disturbances, field theory, and the rationale for specific Gestalt approaches in therapy will be discussed and observed in group experiences. 3 credits.

MFT 605 - Internship I Gestalt                                                                                                           Students enrolled in this internship must be involved with counseling individuals. Weekly supervision seminars are required. Prerequisite: MFT 602 and department permission. 3 credits.

MFT 600 - Independent Study in Marriage and Family Therapy
Identification and investigation of a problem relevant to the field of marriage and family therapy; preparation and presentation of a scholarly document summarizing the study or research. Prerequisite: department permission. 3 credits.