Marriage and Family Therapy

The Family Counseling Center - our students at work!

Overview

Through the Marriage and Family Therapy program, qualified college graduates have the opportunity to take part in a highly rewarding and challenging course of study leading to the Master of Arts degree and to eligibility for licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy in the State of Connecticut. Fairfield's program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). All faculty members are Approved Supervisors and Clinical Members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and licensed in the State of Connecticut. Through their publications, presentations of papers, and service on numerous professional, state, and national committees, the faculty maintain national and international recognition in the field.

The program offers specialized training in various models of family therapy with an emphasis on structural and strategic approaches, and has contractual relationships with more than 45 placement sites in 20 neighboring communities. At these sites, students may obtain their supervised clinical experience during their four semesters of practicum and internship.

Upon completion of the program, students may apply for associate membership in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Following additional post-degree clinical experience and supervision, they may apply for clinical membership in this organization and sit for Connecticut's licensing examination. Program study is in areas of 1) theoretical foundations, 2) clinical practice, 3) individual development and family relations, 4) professional identity and ethics, 5) research, 6) supervised clinical practice, and 7) recommended electives.

Course of Study

(M.A., 57 credits; 500 hours of direct clinical service to individuals, couples, and families; and 100 hours of supervised experience)

• Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy
• Foundations of Marital and Family Therapy
• Divorce, Single-Parenting, and Remarriage
• Intervention in Structural and Strategic Family Therapy
• Family Therapy Pre-Practice
• Introduction to Substance Abuse and Addictions
• Advanced Intervention in Family Therapy/Family
• Couples Therapy
• Assessment Techniques in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Multicultural Issues in Counseling
• Lifespan Human Development
• Human Sexuality and Sexual Dysfunction
• Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Family Therapy
• Research in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Practicum in Family Therapy I & II
• Internship in Family Therapy I & II
• Elective Courses (as approved by advisor)
• Pass the Master's Comprehensive Examination

The Family Counseling Center

The program operates a nonprofit Family Counseling Center, which offers clinical services to a diverse clientele of individuals, couples, and families experiencing a broad range of presenting problems. The Family Counseling Center is equipped with audio-video technology and one-way mirrors. Therapy is provided by a team of advanced graduate students and an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor licensed in Connecticut.

Faculty Quote

"I am intensely aware of the fact that I am training students to work with people at the most vulnerable times in their lives. I am committed to making sure that they have both the technical skills and theoretical background to meet this challenge. A hallmark of our program is our active involvement with professional organizations such as the Connecticut Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. It's the best way to keep up with trends in the field, and it encourages students to see themselves as members of the profession." Rona Preli, Ph.D. / Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy