Marriage and Family Therapy Program
The Objective:
To provide interested persons with an available program for learning the profession of marriage and family therapy from qualified faculty in such a way as to qualify for Associate membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and for internship as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Utah. Following this education and initial experience, candidates will need to complete other requirements and experiences, including supervised experience and passing a national examination, in order to become licensed in the states in which they practice. Most states accept graduation from an AAMFT accredited program as the initial step for preparing for licensure.
To provide citizens of Utah with professionals who have been trained specifically for the practice of marriage and family therapy as defined by the state of Utah, the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
The Philosophy:
Program faculty hold the philosophy that master's level education in marriage and family therapy must occur in a context that is systematically oriented. Experiences in this program emphasize family therapy as integrated with practice and research in family and human development. This context is also informed by gender and cultural perspectives presented throughout all coursework and practica.
The faculty believe that theory and practice in marriage and family therapy are best accomplished in synergy; that is, the elements if theory, research, and practice are intertwined and emphasized in all coursework and clinical experiences throughout the student's training. Since the program resides within an academic setting, it is recognized the courses must be somewhat discrete and independent. However, courses cannot be undertaken independently without consideration of their systematic position in the entire program. It is the aim of the program for students to be challenged and encouraged to integrate their learning throughout their entire time in the program.
The curriculum consists of substantive courses in family relations and human development, statistics and research methods courses, marriage and family therapy emphasis courses, practica, and a thesis. Substantive content/theory courses and clinical practica must be completed simultaneously.
Students must be provided with experiences that enhance their training and practice with a variety of therapy models, family types, presenting problems, therapy settings, and supervisory modes.