Instructor: Howard Horwitz, Ph.D.

In May, 2000, the MLCF launched a 180-hour training program that will yield graduates a certificate in CFT. Training is done over 3 years, with trainees meeting two mornings each month for 2 1/2 hours of didactics and supervision. Applications are now being accepted for May 2001 enrollment.
Note: While this program does not meet all requirements for licensure as a marriage and family therapist, class and supervision hours can be applied toward that certification ~ as well as toward Clinical Membership in AAMFT.

Prerequisite: Introduction to CFT

Objective: Training in CFT is designed to develop the person of the therapist-in-training so that s/he can effectively use him/herself to "grow" the client family. This "maturational" process requires that the therapist begin to master his/her own counter-transference issues as s/he develops technical skills as a therapist. By the end of the course, trainees will be expected to show proficiency in (1) assessment; (2) designing interventions employing a wide range of modalities; and (3) describing the expected progress of the family.

Course Structure: The 180-hour training program is conducted over 3 years. Each year is divided into three 8-session modules. Each module consists of two 2 1/2-hour sessions held twice per month for four months.

Course Content: Each module has three components: didactics, supervision and counter-transference awareness.
Didactics: Primary themes for each module are as follows:
Module I: Working Beyond the Presenting Problem
Module II: Therapeutic Stance
Module III: Progression / Regression / Abreaction
Supervision: Supervision is conducted in four ways:
Trainees will be required to videotape a certain number of their sessions for supervisory review;
Role-playing;
In-class therapy sessions (see counter-transference below);
At least once per year, training therapist will act as consultant on a trainee’s case, acting as co-therapist for the consultation session with the family.
Counter-Transference Awareness: In order to become maximally aware of his/her counter-transference issues, the therapist-in-training will be asked to share with the training group those aspects of his/her life that impact upon their therapeutic work. At the very least, this involves presenting their family genograms and being open to the feedback that it generates. Also, in-class therapy sessions will be conducted whereby one trainee acts as therapist and one trainee acts as client (presenting a real-life issue).

Training-therapist will provide live supervision.

TRAINING FEES

Certificate Program: $600 per Four-Month Module

Intro to CFT (6 weeks): $180

Advanced Topics in CFT (6 weeks): $180