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

MFT 561 Structural Family Therapy Theory
A thorough study of Structural Family Therapy Theory including basic factors such as boundaries, hierarchy, sub-systems, coalitions, etc. including specific structural intervention strategies. Prerequisite: department permission. 3 credits.

MFT 562 - 563 Marriage & Family Therapy Practicum I & II
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 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 661 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 662-663-664 Marriage and Family Therapy Internship and Seminar I, II, 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 666-667 Marriage and Family Supervision I, II
Advanced marriage and family students study and experience the supervision process, becoming involved in co-supervising beginning counselors with a faculty member. Prerequisite: department permission. 1-6 credits.

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

MFT 506 Gestalt Therapy Training-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.

MFT 507 Gestalt Therapy Training-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 508 Gestalt Theory I: Introduction to Gestalt Theory
Gestalt Therapy will be developed in the process of small group supervised practica experiences. Each student will work as a therapist, client, and observer, to develop skills and techniques as a therapist consistent with established theory. 3 credits.

MFT 509 Advanced Gestalt Theory
Advanced work in small groups with individuals is continued with an on-going supervision. The advanced development of skill and technique is acheived through practice and feedback from supervisors. 3 credits.

MFT 603 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 604 Internship II Gestalt
Students enrolled in internship must be involved in counseling couples and groups. Weekly supervision seminars are required. Prerequisite: MFT 603 and department permission. 3 credits.

MFT 660 Gestalt Family Therapy
An understanding of the theory and practice of family therapy using techniques drawn specifically from Gestalt therapy. Prerequisite: 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.

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