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Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy

General Family Therapy Specialization

General Family Therapy Specialization Courses

Listed are the courses unique to the specialization or concentration. Additional fundamental courses are also required for degree completion. Please see the full Course Catalog or contact an Enrollment Advisor by email admissions@ncu.edu or phone 866-776-0331 for detailed information.

Course CodeNameCourse Description
MFT6101Lifespan Individual and Family DevelopmentThis course will include content on individual and family development across the lifespan. Specific emphasis will be given to developmentally appropriate and atypical transitions related to common concerns in marriage and family therapy.
MFT6102Psychopathology, Diagnosis, and Systemic TreatmentUsing a relational/systemic perspective, this course will address the traditional psychodiagnostic categories as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). The focus of the course content will be on the assessment and treatment of major mental health issues through marriage and family therapy.
MFT6103Cultural Diversity, Gender and Family TherapyThis course addresses issues related to diversity and power and privilege as they relate to culture, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, and spirituality. Each of these characteristics is examined with respect to the relevance they have to the profession and practice of family therapy.
MFT6104Family Therapy with ChildrenThis course is designed to provide clinically relevant background information, theory, and therapeutic models and interventions for a wide variety of presenting clinical problems relevant to children. Course material will address family therapy practice and be related conceptually to theory. Specific methods of therapy with children and facilitating parental and family involvement will be discussed. Facilitating child involvement in the therapeutic process for families will be addressed as well.
MFT6105Couples and Sex TherapyThis course will address several models of couples and sex therapy. Within each model there will be a focus on assessment of couples’ dynamics, goal setting, and potential interventions. Specific attention will be given to the development of a personal theory of working with couples based on a foundation of existing models.
MFT6106Families in CrisisThis course will address contemporary crisis-related issues in marriage and family therapy to include gender, violence, addictions, and abuse. It will also address the treatment of individuals, couples, and families from a relational/systemic perspective with respect to these issues. The focus will be on the effects of trauma and stress on family life and relationships as well as recovery from a variety of related presenting issues.