MFT642 Marriage and Family Therapy: Professional Issues and Orientation (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MFT program; required in the first term of admission.
This course provides an orientation to the profession of marriage and family therapy and the program.  The history of the profession is covered as well as the roles and settings of Marriage and Family therapists.  Additionally, the developmental process involved with acquiring an identity as a Marriage and Family therapist is addressed.  Professional development markers such as the post grad licensure process, portability and limitations of the degree, employment and career planning, and ongoing professional development are discussed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify and evaluate the function and role of Marriage and Family therapists from a historical perspective.
2. Describe a process, including the stages, by which Marriage and Family therapists develop professional identity, then apply this understanding to analyze and assess their own current level of development.
3. Apply knowledge of the field to creating personal and professional development plans, particularly focused on preparing for a future career working with diverse clients with a systemic focus.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of post-graduate licensure process.