MRFM 501 Marriage and Family Theory 1
This course will provide students with a foundation of family systems theory and promote an understanding of family dynamics from a generational perspective.  Students will study Bowenian Family Therapy and begin learning foundational counseling techniques as well as techniques specific to this leading theoretical model. Students will also be encouraged to apply cultural humility to their understanding of family systems.

MRFM 502 Marriage and Family Theory 2
This course will introduce Eco-systemic Structural Family Therapy (ESFT). Students will continue to build on their foundational clinical skills and will learn to use ESFT techniques in working with families. Students will be expected to identify how issues of social injustice, marginalization, and limited access to resources can impact a family’s ability to sustain positive changes post therapy.

MRFM 503 Marriage and Family Theory 3
In this course, students will study two postmodern family therapy models: Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Narrative Therapy. Students will continue to build on foundational counseling techniques and will learn how these evidenced-based trauma-informed treatment models can promote healing and change for individuals, couples, and families.

MRFM 505 Treatment and Assessment of Families in Therapy
This course will introduce students to theories, concepts, and treatment modalities used when working with families in therapy. Students will also engage in personal reflection of their own families to gain a deeper understanding of marriage and family dynamics.

MRFM 510 Human Development: Working with Families and Individuals Across the Lifespan  
This course will review current research in human development across the lifespan. It is a study of the developmental changes that occur from conception to death. Special emphasis is given to significant developmental milestones that impact marriage and family dynamics from a family systems perspective.

MRFM 515 Assessment and Diagnosis in Marriage and Family Therapy
This course will introduce students to assessment tools to be used for diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment planning in professional marriage and family practice. Students will learn about and practice using assessment techniques, diagnostic tools, and outcome-based treatment planning, emphasis is placed on conducting holistic assessments that cover all areas of individual, couple, or family dynamics. Issues of diversity, equity, and belonging as well as ethical issues in assessment are also explored.

MRFM 520 Diversity, Equity, and Belonging in Marriage and Family Therapy
In this course, students will explore areas of cultural diversity including race, ethnicity, gender, and social-economic status with emphasis on how these issues influence the practice of marriage and family therapy. This course will also place a strong emphasis on developing cultural humility and embracing equity, inclusion, belonging and social justice. Students will be encouraged to explore how conscious and unconscious bias impact the therapeutic process. 

MRFM 525 Systemic Approaches in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents
This course will introduce students to theories and treatment interventions focused on work with children and adolescents. Students will deepen their understanding of clinical and ethical issues unique to working with minors.

MRFM 535 Professional Ethics in Marriage and Family Therapy
This course will provide a thorough study of ethics for marriage and family therapists and includes exploration of multicultural and social justice considerations in clinical practice. Students will be introduced to the AAMFT Code of Ethics along with other legal and ethical standards that govern the field of marriage and family therapy. Attention will be given to upholding ethical standards in both traditional in-person practice and telehealth therapy.

MRFM 540 Trauma-Informed Care in Marriage and Family Therapy
This course will examine various aspects of trauma including physiological, psychological, spiritual, and relational functioning. Particular emphasis will be placed on the inter-relational impact that trauma has on individuals, couples, and family systems. This course will also examine evidenced-based approaches for treating traumatized clients and will explore ethical practices and self-care strategies for therapists, who are often at risk for vicarious trauma.

MRFM 545 Pre-Practicum
This course prepares students for their upcoming practicum experience by training students in practical aspects of doing systemic therapy with individuals, couples, and families. Students will learn to conduct interviews, complete initial assessments, and manage other aspects of professional practice. Students will deepen their awareness of personal values, beliefs, and family backgrounds and how these elements have shaped their perspectives and impact their clinical thinking. Students will practice cultural humility as they continue to build on their professional skills.

MRFM 605 Practicum
Prerequisite MRFM 545. Students work at an approved clinical practicum site under the supervision of clinical supervision faculty. Students provide therapy services to individuals, couples, or families using systemic treatment modalities. Clinical faculty provide group and individual supervision weekly through video tape/ audio tape observation, written case formulations, case presentations, and case discussions. Students will take three semesters of practicum. Each semester of practicum runs for 14-weeks.

MRFM 610 Psychopathology, Psychopharmacology, and Integrated Care for the Mental Health Professional
The focus of this course is to assist the advanced level student and the practicing mental health clinician to better collaborate with the healthcare team to improve the care of the client/patient. Students of this course will gain a better understanding of the basics of psychopathology, psychopharmacology, and integrated care from a mental health perspective. Completion of this course will develop and improve the skills necessary to stay well-informed of the latest developments in the field of medicine as it applies to mental health.

MRFM 615 Treatment and Assessment of Couples in Therapy
This course will introduce students to theories and treatment interventions focused on work with couples. Students will deepen their understanding of clinical and ethical issues unique to working with couples.

MRFM 620 Contemporary Issues and Collaboration in Marriage and Family Therapy
This seminar course will explore the intersection of contemporary problems and recent clinical developments with the practice of marriage and family therapy. Students will be encouraged to think of therapy practices in a broader context that explores how societal, global, and systemic issues impact the mission to champion faith, reason, and justice through clinical work. Particular emphasis will be placed on nontraditional marriage and family professional practices that promote social justice and collaborative work across professional disciplines.

MRMF 625 Human Sexuality
This course will provide students with a developmental model of human sexuality and will explore how various concepts related to sexuality intersect in marriage and family counseling settings.

MRFM 635 Research Methods in Marriage and Family Therapy
This course will introduce students to major types of social science research. The course will familiarize students with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed research methods, as well as provide opportunities for students to critically examine research studies relevant to the work of marriage and family therapy.

MRFM 640 Capstone
In this course, students will apply knowledge from previous MAMFT courses and clinical experience in marriage and family therapy to develop an evidenced-based case conceptualization that is consistent with the mission, goals, and learning outcomes of the MAMFT program. In their final project for this course, students will produce a written paper, presentation slides, and an oral presentation demonstrating their ability to organize information within a systemic clinical framework. This final case conceptualization project will be evaluated by a committee of MAMFT faculty.

MRFM 671 Spirituality in Marriage and Family Therapy
This course focuses on the integration of spirituality, issues of faith, and the practice of marriage and family therapy. In this course, students will be encouraged to apply cultural humility when assessing client needs and providing therapeutic services to clients from diverse backgrounds. Students will also be challenged to explore their own spiritual journeys and how they impact their practice of marriage and family therapy.

MRFM 672 Systemic Assessment and Treatment of Addictions in Marriage and Family Therapy
This course focuses on the systemic assessment and treatment of individuals, couples and families who have been impacted by chemical dependency and/or process addictions. Theories and relevant treatment models will be discussed including individual, couple, group, and family counseling interventions. Special consideration will be given to how issues of addiction impact family systems and interpersonal relationships within those systems.

MRFM 673 Building a Private Practice in Marriage and Family Therapy
This course will provide students with practical information regarding setting up and maintaining a private practice as a marriage and family therapist. Legal, ethical, and financial implications will be addressed. Students will also be encouraged to consider how issues of diversity, equity, and belonging integrate with clinical practice.

MRFM 674 Systemic Treatment of Adoptive and Foster Families
This course focuses on the unique make-up and specific needs of families created through adoption and foster care. Specific emphasis is placed on issues pertaining to attachment and bonding, adverse childhood experiences, trauma, belonging, grief and loss, and other issues that impact the dynamics and relational patterns within adoptive and foster families. Emphasis will be placed on the use of trauma-informed evidence-based interventions to address client needs from a systemic perspective.