Marriage and Family Therapy (M.A.)

Program Overview

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La Salle University's Marriage and Family Therapy (M.A.) program equips students with the knowledge and skills to work effectively with individuals, couples, and families. The program emphasizes systemic thinking, ethical practice, and hands-on clinical experience, preparing graduates for careers as licensed marriage and family therapists and further studies in the field.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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at La Salle University

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Overview:

• The program progresses from a foundation in systems theory to advanced skills in assessment and intervention, culminating in a 12-month clinical placement.
• Fulfills the educational requirements for licensure in Pennsylvania and most other states, as well as for clinical membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
• Prepares graduates for careers as marriage and family therapists (LMFT) and for further studies in the field.

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Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to work effectively with individuals, couples, and families.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for successful practice.
• Foster a deep understanding of systemic theory and its application to therapeutic interventions.
• Prepare students for professional licensure and ethical practice as LMFTs.

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Program Description:

• The program is a 63-credit, full-time, on-campus program typically completed in two years.
• Includes a comprehensive curriculum covering foundational theories, assessment techniques, therapeutic interventions, and professional development.
• Culminates in a supervised, year-long clinical internship where students gain hands-on experience under the guidance of licensed professionals.
• Utilizes a cohort model, fostering a close-knit learning community and peer support.

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Outline:

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Program Outline

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Program Content:

• Systems Theory: Provides a framework for understanding human behavior in the context of relationships and family dynamics.
• Assessment: Covers techniques for gathering information about individuals, couples, and families to inform treatment planning.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Explores various approaches to therapy, including family therapy, couples therapy, and individual therapy.
• Professional Development: Equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as professional marriage and family therapists.
• Clinical Internship: Provides supervised, hands-on experience in clinical settings.

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Program Structure:

• Semester System: Courses are offered in a traditional semester format.
• Cohort Model: Students progress through the program together, fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Balanced Curriculum: Combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.
• Supervised Clinical Experience: Provides opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings.

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Course Schedule:

• The program includes a variety of core and elective courses spread across four semesters.
• Core courses cover foundational topics such as systems theory, assessment, and therapeutic interventions.
• Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas of interest, such as working with children and adolescents or trauma-informed therapy.

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Modules:

• Each semester includes several modules focusing on specific topics within the broader curriculum.
• Each module typically consists of lectures, discussions, case studies, and other learning activities.
• Examples of modules include:
• Family Systems Theory
• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Family Therapy Techniques
• Couples Therapy
• Individual Therapy
• Professional Ethics and Practice
• Research Methods in Marriage and Family Therapy

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Assessment:

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Program Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• Variety of assessments: Utilize a combination of written exams, case studies, presentations, and clinical evaluations to assess student learning.
• Emphasis on application: Focus on evaluating students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world situations.
• Individualized feedback: Provide regular feedback to students to help them track their progress and identify areas for improvement.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Knowledge of theories and concepts: Assess students' understanding of core concepts in marriage and family therapy.
• Clinical skills: Evaluate students' ability to conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and implement interventions.
• Professionalism: Assess students' ability to demonstrate ethical behavior, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication skills.

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Teaching:

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Program Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• Interactive learning approach: Emphasize active participation, discussion, and hands-on activities to encourage deeper understanding.
• Small class sizes: Foster personalized attention and individualized feedback for each student.
• Experienced faculty: Instructors are licensed marriage and family therapists with extensive clinical experience and a passion for teaching.
• Guest speakers: Invite experts from the field to share their knowledge and insights with students.

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Faculty:

• The program boasts a dedicated faculty with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise.
• Faculty members are actively involved in research, clinical practice, and professional organizations.
• They are committed to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment for students.

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Unique Approaches:

• Emphasis on systemic thinking: Encourage students to view individuals within the context of their relationships and family systems.
• Integrative approach: Combine various theoretical orientations and therapeutic techniques to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the field.
• Focus on ethical practice: Instill in students the importance of ethical behavior and professional responsibility.

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Careers:

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Program Careers

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Career Paths:

• Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including:
• Private practice
• Mental health clinics
• Hospitals
• Social service agencies
• Schools
• Employee assistance programs
• Career opportunities exist in various areas, such as:
• Marriage and family therapy
• Couples and relationship counseling
• Child and adolescent therapy
• Trauma therapy
• Geriatric counseling

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Opportunities:

• The program prepares graduates for licensure as marriage and family therapists in Pennsylvania and most other states.
• Graduates are well-equipped to pursue further studies in marriage and family therapy or related fields.
• The program's connections to the professional community provide opportunities for networking and career development.

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Outcomes:

• Graduates have a high success rate in passing the national licensing exam for marriage and family therapists.
• Many graduates find fulfilling careers in the field, making a positive impact on the lives of individuals, couples, and families.

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Other:

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Program Other Information

• The program offers scholarships and financial aid to support eligible students.
• Students have access to a variety of resources, including a dedicated library and technology support.
• The program fosters a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and alumni.