Program Overview
The program integrates theory with contemporary systemic practices, providing a solid foundation in systems thinking and experiential work. Graduates develop high levels of clinical skill to respond to the diverse challenges faced by families. The program is offered in a flexible online format, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world.
Program Outline
This program is designed for professionals with qualifications and experience in related disciplines who want to specialize in family therapy. It focuses on integrating theory with contemporary systemic practices to maintain effective therapeutic relationships. Graduates develop high levels of clinical skill to effectively respond to the needs of families facing diverse challenges.
Objectives:
- Equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to work effectively as family therapists and counselors.
- Provide a solid foundation in systems thinking and experiential work in supervised clinical practice settings.
- Prepare graduates for leadership roles in the field of family therapy.
Program Description:
La Trobe University offers postgraduate coursework programs in Family Therapy. These programs are suitable for individuals with backgrounds in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, youth work, drug and alcohol counseling, psychiatric nursing, or other related fields.
Outline:
Course Structure & Schedule:
The program structure varies depending on the specific course chosen. Here's an example of the Master of Clinical Family Therapy:
- Year 1:
- Core modules: Foundations of Family Therapy, Family Systems Theory, Therapeutic Interventions, Family Dynamics and Assessment, and Professional Practice.
- Elective modules: Students can choose from a variety of electives to further specialize their studies.
- Year 2:
- Core modules: Advanced Family Therapy Practice, Supervision and Consultation, and Family Law and Ethics.
- Elective modules: Students can choose from a variety of electives to further specialize their studies.
- Year 3:
- Clinical placement: Students complete a supervised clinical placement in a family therapy setting.
Individual Modules:
- Foundations of Family Therapy: This module introduces students to the theoretical foundations of family therapy, including systems theory, communication theory, and attachment theory.
- Family Systems Theory: This module explores the different models of family systems theory and how they can be applied to therapeutic practice.
- Therapeutic Interventions: This module provides students with a range of therapeutic interventions that can be used in family therapy.
- Family Dynamics and Assessment: This module equips students with the skills to assess family dynamics and identify therapeutic goals.
- Professional Practice: This module covers the ethical and professional issues that family therapists face.
- Advanced Family Therapy Practice: This module builds on the skills learned in the first year and provides students with the opportunity to further develop their therapeutic skills.
- Supervision and Consultation: This module teaches students how to provide supervision and consultation to other family therapists.
- Family Law and Ethics: This module covers the legal and ethical issues that family therapists face.
Assessment:
The assessment methods vary depending on the specific course chosen. Here's an example of the Master of Clinical Family Therapy:
- Written assignments: Students will complete a variety of written assignments, such as essays, case studies, and research reports.
- Presentations: Students will give presentations on their research and clinical work.
- Clinical practice: Students will be assessed on their clinical practice skills through direct observation and supervision.
- Examinations: Some courses may also include written or oral examinations.
Teaching:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Lectures are used to introduce students to key concepts and theories.
- Seminars: Seminars provide students with the opportunity to discuss readings and case studies in more depth.
- Workshops: Workshops allow students to develop their skills in a practical setting.
- Clinical supervision: Clinical supervision is provided by experienced family therapists to help students develop their clinical skills.
Faculty:
The faculty consists of experienced family therapists who are experts in their field.
Careers:
Graduates may work as family therapists and counselors or teachers and supervisors in family therapy. Potential career paths include:
- Family therapist
- Marriage and family therapist
- Relationship counselor
- Family mediator
- Family law specialist
- Child welfare worker
- Youth worker
- School counselor
- Professor or researcher in family therapy.
Other:
- La Trobe University offers a 10% Alumni Advantage to graduates who apply for a full-fee postgraduate coursework program.
- The program has strong links with the professional family therapy community.
- The university provides a range of support services to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health services.
- The program is offered in a flexible online format, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world.
