Master of Arts in Professional Counseling: Marriage and Family Therapy

(Arizona)

Marriage and family therapy is based on the scientific findings that individuals and their problems are best seen in their context, and that the most important context is the family. Research studies repeatedly demonstrate the effectiveness of marriage and family therapy in treating the full range of mental and emotional disorders as well as health problems. Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT's) are trained in psychotherapy and family systems, and focus on understanding their client's symptoms and the interaction patterns with others that may contribute to the problem. There has been an incredible growth in this field as a result of renewed public awareness of the value of family life and concern about the increased stresses on families in a rapidly changing world. MFT's can get jobs in community mental health centers, family counseling centers, clinics, hospitals, residential schools, hospice programs, EAPs, and or private practice.

Curriculum


Prerequisites for entry into Marriage and Family Therapy Program

  • Application
  • Completion of prescribed first 18 semesters hours of core coursework in MAPC degree program prior to practicum

Concentration Courses

  • PYC 8112  Theory and Techniques in Marriage and Family Counseling*
  • PYC 8212  Family Systems Theory
  • PYC 8272  Family and Society Gender Issues
  • PYC 8222  Advanced Techniques in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • PYC 8262  Advanced Group Therapy: A Systems Approach
  • PYC 8282  Child and Adolescent Therapy
  • PYC 7832  Human Growth and Development*
  • PYC 8372  Advanced Psychodiagnostics: Treatment Planning and Program Evaluation*
  • PYC 8202  Legal and Ethical Issues in Family Therapy and Family Law
  • PYC 8392  Sex Therapy
  • PYF 7160  Methods and Models in MFT
  • PYF 8400 and PYF 8410  Practicum (300 hours) and two semesters

*PYC 8112, PYC 7832, PYC 8372 are also core classes in the MAPC Program that would apply to both programs
**Practicum consists of field experience with couples and families and must have supervision from a LMFT
*** Students must have earned a "B" or better in BOTH ethics and counseling in the helping professions.