Curriculum Calendar: Marriage & Family Therapy
MFT Program – Curriculum (60 UNITS)
This program plan meets graduation requirements for a Master of Marriage and Family
Therapy. Graduates will meet the educational requirements for MFT licensure in California.
Click here for the MMFT brochure.
CURRICULUM
First Term • 13 units (Offered Fall and Spring)
| Course Number | Course Name | # of Units |
|---|---|---|
| MFC 502 | Family Therapy: Systemic Approaches | (3 Units) |
| MFC 503 | Developmental Psychology | (3 Units) |
| MFC 507 | Foundations of Counseling and Psychotherapy | (3 Units) |
| MFC 518 | Introduction to Research – I | (1 Unit) |
| MFC 519 | Case Conference: Pragmatics and Human Communication | (3 Units) |
Second Term • 12 units (Offered Spring and Summer)
| Course Number | Course Name | # of Units |
|---|---|---|
| MFC 505 | Family Therapy: Evolving Systemic Approaches | (3 Units) |
| MFC 504 | Diversity and Social Justice in Families, Schools and Other Systems | (2 Units) |
| MFC 523 | Case Conference/Practicum | (3 Units) |
| MFC 520 | Abnormal Psychology | (2 Units) |
| MFC 524 | Assessment and Treatment in a Developmental Context | (2 Units) |
SUMMER Term • 11 units (Offered Summer only)
| Course Number | Course Name | # of Units |
|---|---|---|
| MFC 529 | Group Dynamics/Practicum | (3 Units) |
| MFC 549 | Psychological Testing | (3 Units) |
| MFC 550 | MFTs in Community Mental Health | (2 Units) |
| MFC 600 | Fundamentals of Addiction | (3 Units) |
Third Term • 13 units (Offered Fall Only)
| Course Number | Course Name | # of Units |
|---|---|---|
| MFC 521 | Introduction to Research – II | (1 Unit) |
| MFC 528 | Couple Therapy | (3 Units) |
| MFC 531 | Applied Therapeutic Methodology: Relational Therapy I | (3 Units) |
| MFC 532 | Sexuality and Sex Therapy | (1 Unit) |
| MFC 533 | Practicum – I | (2 Units) |
| MFC 539 | Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues | (3 Units) |
Fourth Term • 11 units (Offered Spring Only)
| Course Number | Course Name | # of Units |
|---|---|---|
| MFC 522 | Professional Project | (1 Unit) |
| MFC 534 | Applied Therapeutic Methodology: Relational Therapy II | (3 Units) |
| MFC 535 | Practicum – II | (2 Units) |
| MFC 540 | Professional Issues for Marriage and Family Therapists | (2 Units) |
| MFC 547 | Psychopharmacology | (3 Units) |
Course Descriptions
MFC 502 FAMILY THERAPY: SYSTEMIC APPROACHES (3 UNITS)
Families are the primary unit of study in this course designed to familiarize students
with systems theories. Students study the interaction of parts and the whole, and
how intervention with one element of a system creates change throughout the family
and the larger systems with which the family interacts. Learning sequentially, students
begin with a sensitive study of their own family systems before moving on to therapeutic
and counseling applications with other families. The models presented are General
Systems Theory, Bowen, Structural, Strategic, and Humanistic/Experiential. The course
then moves into the collaborative, strength-based approaches of Post Modern therapies.
Specific counseling applications of these theories are demonstrated in the classroom
to help students develop intervention strategies with families and larger systems.
MFC 505 FAMILY THERAPY: EVOLVING SYSTEMIC APPROACHES (3 UNITS)
This course builds on the foundational and traditional systemic theories presented
in MFC 502 and examines both common factors and the evolution of systemic theory.
Postmodern and evidenced-based family therapy models are presented with an emphasis
on clinical application. Clinical factors such as diversity, recovery-oriented care,
crisis management and trauma are considered through a contemporary systemic perspective.
MFC 503 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 UNITS)
This course reviews normal developmental processes over the lifespan of individuals,
as well as systems including family, schools and the community. The student encounters
both theoretical models for describing developmental stages and behavioral descriptions
of tasks and competencies at each stage. We explore the interaction between individual
development and the stages of the family life cycle. Attention is also given to gender
differences in development, multicultural considerations, the effect of early experience,
and developmental processes in divorcing and blending families.
MFC 504 DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN FAMILIES, SCHOOLS AND OTHER SYSTEMS (2 UNITS)
This course is designed to facilitate the intra and interpersonal examination, awareness
and valuing of human diversity and social justice across varying populations and contexts.
Students will develop an understanding of individual, family and social roles in the
construction of diversity and equity through an exploration of privilege and oppression
across dominant and marginalized cultures. Such examination will increase sensitivity
to and comprehension of the psychological impact of cultural forces. The course utilizes
a systems and strength-based perspective, honoring a collaborative and community approach
to school counseling and psychotherapy.
MFC 507 FOUNDATIONS OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (3 UNITS)
This course presents models originally developed to work with individuals as a context
for understanding marital and family therapy and school counseling. The major focus
is on three (3) foundational approaches: Psychodynamic, Humanistic-Existential, and
Behavioral and Cognitive-Behavioral theories. The course is comparative and integrative
and offers an introduction to rather than a comprehensive presentation of these historically
important models. These models also provide the context for foundational counseling
skills utilized by marriage and family therapists and school counselors.
MFC 518 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH – I (1 UNIT)
This course introduces students to concepts and procedures that will help them become
educated consumers of research. Students will develop basic database search skills
to locate recent studies that document effective practices for working from a systemic
perspective. They will become familiar with legal and ethical issues involved in research
and will learn about research methodologies such as qualitative and quantitative research.
Additionally, students will develop skills in academic writing such as appropriate
use of APA style format and writing in a scholarly voice and will begin to develop
their competence in critical reading of research literature to support becoming research-informed
clinicians.
MFC 521 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH – II (1 UNIT)
This course continues the practice of critical analysis of research. The emphasis
is on evaluating research relevant to relational and systemic issues, including the
clinical effectiveness of research-informed treatment strategies. Students begin the
process of developing their professional project while working with an assigned faculty
research mentor.
MFC 522 PROFESSIONAL PROJECT (1 UNIT)
This course continues to support students in the completion of the professional project.
The goal of the project is to increase the student’s expertise in a specific area
of clinical knowledge that has a relational and systemic focus. The professional project
provides a foundation for future professional development and contribution to the
field of Marriage and Family Therapy.
MFC 519 CASE CONFERENCE: PRAGMATICS AND HUMAN COMMUNICATION (3 UNITS)
This course provides an experiential and practical demonstration of the foundational
concepts presented in the first (1st) term coursework. Students are oriented to the
practice of psychotherapy/counseling with a focus on systemic/relational practices
and a multicultural perspective. Additionally, students begin developing clinical
skills, including establishing and understanding, confidentiality, avoiding dual relationships
and handling personal information in an ethical manner. Throughout the course, students
observe actual therapy/counseling behind a one-way mirror and participate as co-therapists
with the instructor and on reflecting teams. Following the session, students participate
in discussions with the instructor/school counselor about what has been experienced
and observed. Communication principles and skills that enhance professional effectiveness
are introduced, demonstrated and practiced.
MFC 523 CASE CONFERENCE/PRACTICUM (3 UNITS)
Students continue the observational process from first term with clients/pupils, deepening
their understanding of the concepts and practices introduced in the first term. Observing
and participating as co-therapists and reflecting team members with a different client,
students will apply their growing knowledge of theory, assessment and diagnosis. Students
will begin to explore their personal functioning, that is their awareness of their
impact on others, both in class and as they begin their traineeships and field placements.
Theoretical, assessment and treatment concepts presented in term two (2) are demonstrated
and applied in the clinical/counseling work with the case conference client.
MFC 520 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY (2 UNITS)
This course surveys Abnormal Psychology from the perspective of the medical model
presented in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders. In the course, students are encouraged to think critically about the concepts
of mental illness and Psychopathology; for example, students examine the impact of
the socio-cultural context on diagnosis. Students learn to identify and diagnose commonly
seen disorders as well as severe mental disorders in both children and adults. Students
also begin developing more advanced skills in the process of differential diagnosis.
MFC 524 ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT IN A DEVELOPMENTAL CONTEXT (2 UNITS)
This course builds on knowledge obtained in 520 in the area of child and adolescent
diagnostic categories. The course continues skills training in the process of assessment
and expands to include treatment planning specific to working with youth and families.
Students learn through in-class demonstration and course assignments, intervention
strategies appropriate for addressing different presenting problems and developmental
stages. In addition, this course explores assessment and treatment planning with children
and adolescents and their families in various settings: clinical settings, schools,
and community-based facilities. The practical management of commonly-seen child and
adolescent counseling issues and the legal and ethical guidelines related to working
with youth and families are discussed. MFC 520 or its equivalent is a prerequisite
for this course.
MFC 528 COUPLE THERAPY (3 UNITS)
This course examines theory, methodology, and pragmatics of working with intimate
partnerships and will explore various theoretical models for an in-depth view of dynamics
in couples. Issues and processes that frequently arise in couple therapy will be addressed,
such as lack of intimacy, trust issues, conflicts, relationship dissolution, and domestic
violence. The course will also demonstrate methods of therapeutic intervention designed
to enrich couples’ lives and help negotiate change.
MFC 529 GROUP DYNAMICS/PRACTICUM (3 UNITS)
Understanding group dynamics from the perspective of both participant and leader is
an essential skill for professionals in the field of marriage and family therapy and
school counseling. In this experiential course, students learn the theory and practice
of group dynamics. The course includes both didactic instruction on the theories of
Yalom and others, and a “laboratory” experience of being in a group. Students are
encouraged to utilize this experience to enhance their personal and professional growth.
Although not therapy, the experience can be therapeutic for those who participate
fully.
Students in clinical placement may utilize the group experience as an adjunct to their
official group or individual supervision. The instructor and the group will offer
monitoring and support as the student deals informally with personal and professional
issues related to their clinical work.
MFC 531 APPLIED THERAPEUTIC METHODOLOGY: RELATIONAL THERAPY I (3 UNITS)
This course involves the application of theory to practice in marriage and family
therapy. Relational and systemic theoretical models are utilized in the assessment
and treatment of individuals, couples, families and children within a multicultural
context. Students will formulate a relational and systemic theoretical position as
a foundation for their clinical practice as Marriage and Family Therapists. The application
of clinical skills is reviewed, including assessment, development of a therapeutic
alliance, establishment of clinical goals, interventions, and the ongoing evaluation
of treatment. Aspects of professional communications in the mental health profession
will also be covered. This course must be taken concurrently with MFC533, Practicum.
MFC 534 APPLIED THERAPEUTIC METHODOLOGY: RELATIONAL THERAPY II (3 UNITS)
This course continues the application of theory to practice in marriage and family
therapy. Relational and systemic theoretical models continue to be emphasized in the
assessment and treatment of individuals, couples, families, and children. Knowledge
of theory, the foundations of psychotherapy, and Marriage and Family Therapy learned
in the first year are reviewed and applied to cases from the practicum experience.
This course supports the student’s experience in supervised practicum with readings,
assignments and resources relevant to the populations being served by the students.
Students will continue to formulate a relational and systemic theoretical position
as a foundation for their professional identity as Marriage and Family Therapists.
Comprehensive written and oral examinations are part of this course. The course must
be taken concurrently with MFC 535, Practicum.
MFC 532 SEXUALITY AND SEX THERAPY (I UNIT)
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of sexuality and sex therapy
necessary for working with intimate relationships as a marriage and relationship therapist.
The course has several purposes. First, in a safe and supportive atmosphere, students
will deepen their awareness of their own sexuality, increase their comfort with sexual
language, and widen their perspectives on sexual variations. Second, the classes will
examine the growing merger and integration of two previously separate fields, sex
therapy and relationship therapy, thereby helping students decide when to refer to
specialized professionals. Third, the course will help students address sexual issues
in session and increase intimacy in partnerships. Fourth, the course will help students
develop an increased multicultural sensitivity to issues of sexuality.
MFC 533 PRACTICUM – I (2 UNITS) (CR/NC)
In this course students gain direct clinical experience with individuals, couples,
families and/or groups at placement sites approved by the Clinical Placement Directors.
The MFT program practicum requirements as well as MFT licensure requirements in California
are presented. The MFT program requires that students obtain a minimum of 100 relational,
200 individual client, and 75 client-centered advocacy hours while in a practicum
and prior to graduation. The Los Angeles Education Center’s MFT program has affiliations
with a variety of placements, including the California Family Counseling Center.
MFC 535 PRACTICUM – II (2 UNITS) (CR/NC)
In this course students continue to gain direct clinical experience with individuals,
couples, families and/or groups at placement sites approved by the Clinical Placement
Directors. The MFT program practicum requirements as well as MFT licensure requirements
in California are presented. The MFT program requires that students obtain a minimum
of 100 relational, 200 individual client, and 75 client-centered advocacy hours while
in a practicum and prior to graduation. The Los Angeles Education Center’s MFT program
has affiliations with a variety of placements, including the California Family Counseling
Center.
MFC 539 LEGAL, ETHICAL AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES (3 UNITS)
This course reviews aspects of California and federal law relevant to Marriage and
Family Therapy. The course focuses in-depth on confidentiality and privileged communication,
scope of practice and scope of competence, laws defining unprofessional conduct, laws
relating to minors and other vulnerable populations, the ethical decision-making process,
and the AAMFT professional ethical standards as well as those of CAMFT. Students will
recognize when legal and/or clinical consultation/supervision is necessary. The course
includes family law (issues connected to marital dissolution, child custody and mediation
of conflicts). Legal issues connected to mandated reporting requirements (child, elder
and dependent adult abuse) and to domestic violence are also presented. Students are
asked to consider the application of legal and ethical standards within the framework
of different theoretical perspectives with various systems, in different clinical
settings, and through the lens of their own values and personal characteristics. The
development of the identity of the Marriage and Family Therapist is emphasized.
MFC 540 PROFESSIONAL ISSUES FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS (2 UNITS)
This course updates current clinical and professional issues impacting the practice
of marriage and family therapy. Specific topics reflect recent developments in the
field. Additionally, this course addresses the students’ professional development
and identity as a Marriage and Family Therapist as they prepare to enter associateships.
MFC 547 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (3 UNITS)
The course is designed to introduce the student to the psychopharmacological management
of mental disorders. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the non-medical therapist
as a member of the health care team in the assessment, referral and management of
clients being treated with Psychotropic medication. The course will cover the history
of psychopharmacology, basic nervous system functioning and biochemical theories of
mental disorders and will familiarize students with the various classes of psychoactive
medications used to treat major mental disorders. In addition, the course will address
the use of psychotropic medication across the lifespan and within the context of gender,
race, culture and ethnic identity. MFC 520 or equivalent is a prerequisite for this
course.
MFC 549 PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING (3 UNITS)
The course introduces students to the basics of testing and assessment so they can
learn to interact with other mental health professionals in ways that facilitate the
treatment of clients. This course focuses on several areas: advanced clinical interviewing,
basic statistical concepts necessary for understanding tests and measurements, an
introduction to most major psychological tests, the important role of testing in psychotherapy,
and the process of referrals for psychological testing. In addition, students will
gain information on tests which fall under the scope of practice for marriage and
family therapists.
MFC 550 MFT’S IN COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH (2 UNIT)
This course defines the role of Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT’s) in community
mental health care and provides knowledge and skills to adequately fulfill the functions
of that role. Special attention is given to culturally-relevant mental health assessment
and treatment, recovery and wellness models, strength-based treatment planning and
the reintegration of clients (consumers) in family and social systems. The course
will also emphasize professional self-care and examine public service as a professional
career for MFT’s.
MFC 600 FUNDAMENTALS OF ADDICTION (3 UNITS)
This course offers a comprehensive overview of contemporary treatment of addictions
in a highly interactive format. Topics include: theories across time and cultures,
the psychology of addictions, understanding and treating the needs of special populations,
intervention strategies, concepts and theories of addiction, medical aspects of addiction,
and customizing treatment plans to meet specific client-centered goals.