Marriage and Family Therapy Courses | Chaminade University

Course Descriptions

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY (MFT & DMFT)

MFT-550 Marriage and Family Therapy Systems (1)

This course is an introduction to the central theoretical underpinnings of systemic family therapy, providing a basic framework for assessment of and intervention in the problems clients bring to therapy. This course focuses on the assumptions, concepts, frameworks, and clinical guidelines through a systemic perspective. Students will develop an understanding of general systems theory, family systems theory, communications theory and cybernetics.

MFT-551 Marriage and Family Therapy Theories 1 (3)

This course is a basic introduction to the history, development and theories of the field of family therapy. The focus will be on the major theoretical models of family therapy, their similarities and differences, and conceptual foundations. Students will develop a basic understanding of family therapy concepts as applied in clinical practice, and begin to formulate their own personal framework through integration across theoretical models.

MFT 552 Marriage and Family Therapy Theories 2 (3)

This course builds on the foundations of Family Systems theory and the classical theoretical models in MFT-551 and will introduce advanced and contemporary therapy models within the Marriage and Family Therapy field. Students will develop an understanding of how to conceptualize couple and family relationships using the concepts of the advanced models, how to critically assess and cohesively synthesize family models, and how to utilize current evidence-based research to formulate a personal framework to work with couples and families. Pre-requites: MFT-550.

MFT-553 Ethics and Professional Issues (3)

This course builds on foundational Family Systems theory and introduces advanced and contemporary therapy models within the Marriage and Family Therapy field. Students will develop the ability to conceptualize couple and family relationships using advanced theoretical models, critically assess and synthesize models, and apply evidence-based research to create a personal framework for working with relational systems.

MFT-554 Individual and Systemic Diagnosis (3)

This course provides an exploration of a wide range of diagnostic tools, including standardized assessments, clinical interviews, genograms, and ecomaps, while considering the reciprocal relationship between individual functioning and the larger systemic context for therapists working with all modalities in treatment (individuals, couples and families). Students will learn how to conduct both individual and systemic assessments to arrive at diagnoses and conceptualizations of client systems that will inform effective treatment.

MFT-602 Family Development through the Lifespan (3)

This course is designed as an introduction to key concepts in human development paradigms; family life cycle theory and clinical applications; lifespan development issues within one's own family of origin experience; and relevant transgenerational theories about family growth and resilience. Theoretical and practical interventions for working with families across developmental ages and stages will be explored, as well as ethical and legal responsibilities. Students will learn about how important developmental events impact and shape family functioning and ways to address them in family treatment.

MFT-603 Microskills, MFT Principles & Practices (3)

This course prepares students for beginning clinical practice by increasing their practical knowledge, clinical microskills, and clinical judgment. Throughout the semester students demonstrate competencies in clinical practice including the process of informed consent, initial systemic assessment of a client system, joining and developing therapeutic alliance, embodying therapeutic presence, treatment planning, clinical documentation and administration, and treatment termination.

MFT-611 Group Therapy Facilitation Skills (3)

This course prepares students for the facilitation of group process by increasing their practical knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment within group therapy. Throughout the semester students demonstrate competencies in group management and facilitation including the process of informed consent, opening, closing and structuring groups, utilizing group interventions, co-facilitating groups, assessing group dynamics, and constructing a group manual.

MFT-616 Statistical Analysis in Quant Research (3)

This course covers the fundamentals of research design, statistical analysis, and evaluation of research results, with a focus on quantitative methods used in marriage and family therapy research. Students will learn data collection, data entry, and statistical analysis using SPSS, as well as the ethical implications of research practices. The course prepares students to apply the scientific method to analyze relationships between variables and test hypotheses relevant to family therapy.

MFT-617 MFT Research Methods & Research Writing (3)

This course is an introduction of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research approaches, including study design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation in the application and integration of marriage and family therapy outcome and process research. There is an emphasis on developing knowledge necessary to understand the results of and apply the methods of marriage and family research through an exploration of applied research methods, and relevant research findings, and the expansion of a research writing style. This course emphasizes the ethical and cultural considerations required in conducting research with diverse populations. Students will develop proficiency in critically evaluating research literature, formulating research questions, designing studies, and research writing techniques.

MFT-736 Diversity in Family Therapy (3)

This course serves as an introduction to thinking critically about the clients’ and therapist’s group memberships and identifications, and the effects of these memberships and identities on the therapeutic relationship and interventions. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding both enduring and changing human diversity contexts through the use of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model and genograms as assessment and intervention techniques. This course emphasizes the convergence and divergence of memberships and identities for individuals and families, and the effects of these similarities and differences for the person, family, therapy relationship, organizations, and the culture(s) at large. Students will explore their process of understanding the client and delivering sensitive and competent interventions.

MFT-737 Child & Adolescent Diagnosis & Treatment (3)

This course provides an exploration of various evidence-based practices and therapeutic techniques applied to the improvement of child and adolescent functioning, and parent-child relationships with emphasis placed on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood and adolescent disorders, parent education, crisis intervention, and family engagement. Students will understand how to diagnose and treat a wide range of developmental, emotional, behavioral, and relational issues experienced by young clients. Prerequisite(s): MFT-602 Family Development through the Lifespan.

MFT-757 Family Therapy: Assessment and Intervention (3)

This course is a study of the family as a system of interactive elements with a focus on the therapeutic implications of treating patterns and processes rather than personalities. This course combines readings, simulations, and videotaped role-plays to increase understanding of the complexities and intricacies of a family system, focusing on how to join with and intervene with client systems. Students will develop proficiency in approaching assessment and treatment with families. Prerequisite(s): MFT-550, MFT-551, and MFT-552.

MFT-759 Family Therapy: Violence, Trauma and Healing (3)

This course focuses on understanding trauma and its impact on family systems. Students will learn to conceptualize trauma within the context of family violence, develop trauma-informed interventions, and evaluate cases using an ecological and systemic perspective. Prerequisite(s): MFT-550.

MFT-760 Couples and Relationship Therapy (3)

This course will cover theories and associated techniques for couples, marital therapy along with ethical and best practices for work within this modality. This course covers therapeutic approaches to resolving adult relationship problems, such as escalated conflict and communication issues, mistrust and infidelity, and sexual concerns among others, in addition to exploring new trends in relationship therapy. Students will learn how to approach common concerns or problems in couple relationships and the appropriate treatment strategies in relationship therapy. Prerequisite(s): MFT-550, MFT-551, and MFT-552.

MFT-762 Sex Therapy (3)

This course explores sex-related psychotherapy within the context of family systems, focusing on sexual health, assessment, and treatment strategies for sexual concerns. Students will develop skills in addressing sexual issues in couples and family therapy. Prerequisite(s): MFT-550.

MFT-763 Medical Family Therapy and Psychopharmacology (3)

This course provides an introduction to Medical Family Therapy, emphasizing collaboration with healthcare providers and the use of a biopsychosocial-spiritual model for treating families dealing with illness and disability. Students will also gain familiarity with basic psychopharmacology. Prerequisite(s): MFT-550.

MFT-764 Family Therapy: Substance-related Diagnoses and Crisis Counseling (1)

This course will provide an overview of practical crisis-counseling skills to be used within emergent client care in addition to exploring the treatment of substance-related disorders within the context of family therapy. Students will learn how to intervene and provide immediate care for client’s experiencing unexpected loss and distressing events, and therapeutic methods of addressing drug and alcohol concerns within families.

MFT-777 Practicum 1 (1)

This course is the first of four that offers the student an opportunity to practice family systems approaches to therapy in a mental health counseling setting, under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist. Students will receive both group and individualized instruction and supervision within didactic and experiential settings. Within this course students will also complete a benchmark requirement, the Role-Play Exam. Students will spend at least 50 client contact hours at a practicum site under the supervision of a clinical supervisor and receive supervision from an AAMFT-approved LMFT Supervisor. Prerequisite(s): MFT-550, MFT-551, MFT-552, MFT-603, and MFT-611.

MFT-778 Practicum 2 (3)

This course offers the student an opportunity to practice family systems approaches to therapy in a mental health counseling setting, under the supervision of a licensed marriage and family therapist. Students will complete their practicum in a supervised mental health setting with a variety of populations including individuals, couples, groups, children, adults, and/or families working with problems and issues as substance abuse, domestic violence, developmental disabilities and/or problems of daily living. MFT students are required to complete 350 client contact hours in order to obtain their master’s degree in MFT. These hours are distributed between Practicum 1, 2, 3 and 4, with the expectation for Practicum 1 to be lower. Ideally, there will be an equal distribution of these hours during the last 3 terms, with an average of 100 hours per 3-credit practicum course. Practicum will include the following: Client contact hours with individuals, couples and families (40% should be with couples and families), Audio/video recording as raw data to be presented in Practicum class, and a minimum of 15 (fifteen) contact hours per week. Prerequisite(s): MFT-777.

MFT-779 Practicum 3 (3)

MFT-780 Practicum 4 (3)

DMFT-8000 Professional Development Seminar 1 (3)

This is the first course that students will take and will help them navigate through the program. Self of the therapist and issues in the development of PhD-level professionals. Identification of program, college, and university academic resources. Identification of professional organizations. Discussions of Marianist values and Chaminade University mission. Additionally, students will be guided in preparing for the first qualifying exam (FCP).

DMFT-8010 Intro M/CFT (3)

This course focuses on research in couple and family therapy, and is designed to review contemporary family research methods through a multi-method approach. Additionally, students will also learn how to construct academic papers using APA formatting and scholarly writing standards. Students will learn about various ethical issues in research including the global movement toward decolonizing methodologies, especially those related to clinical research and work with underserved or high-risk populations. Students will be introduced to how Community Based Participatory Research and Action Research has been utilized in clinical MFT research. Students will learn about the IRB process.

DMFT-8012 Quantitative Research Methods (3)

This course explores quantitative research methods, focusing on designing and analyzing research in the context of family therapy. Students will engage with sophisticated data collection strategies, statistical techniques, and SPSS for clinical data analysis. The course emphasizes the evaluation of validity, reliability, and ethical considerations in family therapy research, preparing students to critically assess and apply quantitative research findings in clinical settings.

DMFT-8013 Qualitative Methods & Analyses (3)

This course identifies various strategies for utilizing qualitative research methodology in family studies, including differences in research design, sampling, and data collection. Prepares doctoral students to conduct qualitative research study or program evaluation relevant to family processes and/or clinical practice. Introduces qualitative research foundations and practical experience with qualitative research methods. Addresses philosophical foundations of research design, analysis, and interpretation, and evaluation and presentation of qualitative data and findings.

DMFT-8015 Psychotherapy Outcome and Process Research (3)

This course examines the methodological foundations of psychotherapy outcome and process research, specifically related to family based interventions. The course will define and demonstrate methods pertaining to efficacy, effectiveness, and dissemination/implementation science. This course provides an overview of seminal and current couple and family therapy clinical research. This course will review debates around the value, training and dissemination of empirically supported treatments and philosophical underpinnings of the scientific enterprise. We will also examine research from the perspective of culture, race and gender and how these sociopolitical issues impact the interpretation of science. The significance of the research process and empirical evidence to couple and family therapy practice will be explored, with reference to "common factors" and evidence-based research.

DMFT-8022 Portfolio Planning and Development (1)

The Portfolio Planning and Development course is intended to prepare students for their Supervisor, Educator & Leader Portfolio and ensure the student has support in 1) developing a feasible plan to meet the portfolio requirements of the Qualifying Exam 2 and 2) making progress on portfolio tasks that require long-term development across the final years of the program and 3) tailoring their portfolio to represent their professional goals. The capstone portfolio will represent professional development across four professional domains: 1)Scholarship, 2)Teaching/Supervision, 3) Clinical Practice, and 4) Citizenship, Leadership, and Service.

DMFT-8050 Advanced Relational Systemic T (3)

This course expands on the analysis of systemic-relational theories guiding family therapy practice. Students will explore and deconstruct philosophical, social, and ethical implications of family therapy models, with a focus on theory development, ethical considerations, and the integration of evidence-based research to advance relational systemic theories.

DMFT-8051 Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues in Couple/Marriage and Family Therapy (3)

This course focuses on professional orientation and ethical practice in couple and family therapy. Students will be introduced to the MFT profession through the examination of licensure and credentialing standards, and professional organizations. Additionally, students will understand ethical practice using the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's Code of Ethics. Legal issues in MFT and the role of advocacy and social justice as they apply to ethics and the law will be understood.

DMFT-8052 Assessment and Diagnosis in Couple/Marriage & Family Therapy (3)

This course focuses on issues in the clinical assessment of individuals, couples, and families. It will provide students with a broad theoretical base for understanding psychopathology from not only an individual descriptive, symptomologic perspective as presented in the DSM-5, but also from a contextual, systemic perspective including developmental hallmarks, familial patterns and sociocultural contributors. Assessment will be considered through a multi-method approach that includes: qualitative interview, observational, clinician-rated or global rating scales, and self-report inventories.

DMFT-8055 Trauma Theory and Models (3)

This course provides an in-depth analysis of trauma theory and its application to vulnerable populations, with a focus on family systems affected by addiction. Students will explore trauma-informed approaches and public health perspectives, preparing them to address complex systemic trauma and substance use disorders in diverse populations.

DMFT-8059 MFT through a Decolonized lens: Centering Indigenous Healing Practices in Families (3)

This course will provide a critique of how the field of systemic family therapy has historically been driven by evidenced based models and western family therapy concepts, which can marginalize indigenous cultural knowledge and emotional healing. This course will provide a framework for supporting decolonizing practices in family therapy and counseling that reflect values of human diversity, collaboration and participation, distributive justice, and self determination.

DMFT-8060 Couple Sex Therapy (3)

This course provides a deeper exploration of the biological, psychological, and social aspects of sexuality in couple and relational therapy. Special attention is given to diversity in sexual and gender identities, with an emphasis on the treatment of sexual difficulties and dysfunction, and the assessment of sexual health within diverse relational contexts. Students will engage with data-informed, evidence-based interventions and explore social justice considerations to provide inclusive, ethical care.

DMFT-8061 Medical Family Therapy (3)

This course offers an introduction to Medical Family Therapy, emphasizing the integration of a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework and collaborative care with healthcare providers to support families navigating illness and disability. Designed to prepare students for advanced practice, the course explores complex dynamics in families facing chronic illness and equips students with the skills to develop effective, interdisciplinary care strategies. Additionally, students will cultivate a nuanced understanding of healthcare systems and gain foundational knowledge in psychopharmacology to enhance their clinical competence in diverse medical contexts.

DMFT-8062 Medical Family Therapy and Introduction to Psychopharmacology (3)

This course is designed to prepare family therapists to work collaboratively in addressing the unique psychosocial problems of individuals, couples and families with acute and chronic medically related concerns, such as childhood diabetes and cancer, breast and prostate cancer, chronic progressive illness like M.S. and chronic pain. This course also presents a history and the most current trends in biological treatments in psychiatric disorders and systemic considerations for families. Competencies in interpersonal and communication skills, patient-centered and family-focused care, and collaborative practice will be addressed in this course. This course will present an overview of neurobiology and the mechanisms of action, side effects, and relevant issues associated with the major psychotropic medications and will explore the role of gender, race, culture, age, comorbid psychological and medical disorders, and other variables that impact the use of, and response to, various psychopharmacological interventions. Topics covered will include: understanding physician training, focus and language, evidenced based practice, outcome based practice, levels of collaboration and an introduction to motivational interviewing framework and concepts.

DMFT-8070 Fundamentals of Supervision in Marriage and Family Therapy (3)

The educational requirement for the AAMFT Approved Supervisor Designation entails completion of a fundamentals of supervision course. This course can be used toward the requirements for certification as an AAMFT-approved supervisor. Research and theory regarding the supervision of marriage and family therapy trainees and interns. Preparation for supervising trainees in couple and family therapy, from a systemic perspective. Exploration of supervision models and modalities; development of a personal model of supervision. A philosophy of supervision paper must be completed.

DMFT-8071 Introduction to Teaching/ Consultation/ Leadership (Teaching Practicum begins) (3)

This course will examine theories and techniques of cutting-edge leadership as applied to the field of couple/marriage and family therapy. The course will review leadership models and help students identify an individualized plan for personal and professional development as an educator, mentor, consultant, and leader within the field of M/CFT. Course content areas include leadership styles and theories, instruction and teaching, navigating the job application process, licensure and certification, and key skills for leadership and administration in clinical organizations.

DMFT-8072 Advanced Supervision 1-6 (1)

Mentoring of supervision of MFT trainees and interns in a clinical setting. Hours earned apply toward certification as an AAMFT-approved supervisor. Must complete 30 hours of supervision and 5 hours of supervision mentoring. (36 hours of supervision for a minimum of 18 months by an Approved Supervisor Mentor).

DMFT-8073 Program Development, Design, and Evaluation for Families and Communities: Holistic Approaches to Prevention and Enrichment (3)

This course examines core components of systemic/relational programs designed to address mental health problems within the context of families and larger systems and also addresses formative and summative evaluations using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method designs. Explains the elements of systemic programming that address clinical treatment problems/populations and areas of diversity impacting family and community systems. Using the systemic/relational paradigm of the field, students produce program design foundations, such as literature-based needs assessments, reflecting their areas of interest. Emphasizes program evaluation and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure evaluation reports meet intended purposes. Includes program methods for the development of a consistent program design and evaluation plan. Utilizes assessment of program needs to address theory and adherence, process and performance, outcomes, impact, and efficiency in program design, evaluation, and monitoring.

DMFT-8075 Family Healthcare Policy & Advocacy (3)

This course examines historical and contemporary trends in family healthcare policy, emphasizing healthcare disparities and the socio-political implications for families in different social positions while examining the intervene role of family therapy in larger eco-systemic issues. Furthermore, this course will explore individual and family health, specifically across the contexts of gender, race, and class. Factors influencing health policy will additionally be explored, along with health disparities and health equality in the American health care system. Economic, social and relationship, health and mental health, barriers and access to mental health, measures of child and family well-being, immigration and migration, and housing policies are few of the key issues that might be examined through a lens of social justice.

DMFT-8500 Advanced Topics in MFT (3)

This course will focus on a relevant topic in the field of marriage and family therapy. The aim of this course is to increase the student's expertise of a specialized area of study or practice within the MFT field. Students will access literature and/or resources related to the topic, engage in reflections, critical analyses, and/or discussions on the topic, and participate in other selected class assignments to deepen their understanding of the topic.

DMFT-8770 MFT Entrepreneurship & Professional Development (3)

This course focuses on entrepreneurship and professional development for licensed (or license-seeking) marriage and family therapists and other mental health practitioners interested in private practice and other entrepreneurial endeavors. The course is designed to research current trends in private practice development and familiarize students with different career pathways and partnerships available for mental health practitioners working in community agencies. Additionally, students will create marketing materials, conduct a market analysis, and plan to develop or deepen community relationships and partnerships through speaking engagements and community presentations. Students will also gain fundamental knowledge regarding business ownership, including different types of business structures, obtaining business locations/space, insurance paneling/credentialing, and a brief introduction to business finance.

DMFT-8990 Dissertation 1 (3)

This course is designed to assist students in the preparation of their dissertation research proposal. This course focuses on research in couple and family therapy, and will review contemporary family research methods through a multi-method approach. Additionally, students will also learn how to construct academic papers using APA formatting and scholarly writing standards, and the research protocol approval process through the IRB. Students will learn about various ethical issues in research including the global movement toward decolonizing methodologies, especially those related to clinical research and work with underserved or high-risk populations.

DMFT-8991 Dissertation 2 (3)

This course is designed to assist students in the completion of their dissertation research proposal and IRB approval. Students in this course will complete the IRB process and begin active recruitment of their project’s participants. The student will revise and resubmit their IRB proposal until it is approved. Once students have completed the IRB process, they will begin recruiting study participants and collecting data. Students cannot start the recruitment or data collection process until they have submitted their IRB completion and protocol approval in canvas.

DMFT-8992 Dissertation 3 (3)

This course is designed to assist students in their ongoing recruitment, data collection, and data analyses for their dissertation research project. Students in this course will collect and analyze data and begin writing chapters 4 and 5 of the final dissertation manuscript. Students will also explore potential publication outlets or conferences in which they could present their completed research. Students still in data collection at the end of the 10-week course will be allowed to progress to the final dissertation course, but will need to provide evidence of continued work on data collection and analysis.

DMFT-8993 Dissertation 4 (3)

This course is designed to assist students with the completion of their dissertation research project and resulting manuscript. Students will work on completing the final chapters of their dissertation. Specifically, students will complete their data analysis, prepare their study results, and present their findings in an Oral Defense along with a completed manuscript. A completed, committee-approved within minimum rubric standards, Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate. Students who do not receive approval for either or both their Dissertation Manuscript and defense must take a supplementary dissertation course (DMFT-8994 Dissertation Continuation) to finalize and gain approval of either or both items as needed.

DMFT-8994 Dissertation Continuation (1)

This course is designed to assist students with the completion of their dissertation research project and resulting manuscript. In this dissertation course students will complete tasks from previous dissertation courses and finalize their dissertation project. A completed, Committee approved within minimum rubric standards Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate.