MMFT 602 Marriage and Family Therapy II: Contemporary Approaches and Complex Family Systems

This course builds on foundational systemic therapy models, exploring contemporary approaches and their application to complex family systems. Students will analyze evidence-based interventions for treating diverse family structures, relational distress, and mental health concerns within a systemic framework. Ethical, legal, and spiritual considerations in advanced family therapy practice will be emphasized.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

The therapist must understand modern, evidence-based approaches to relational therapy to effectively treat complex family systems. This course provides the student with advanced clinical skills necessary for addressing diverse family structures and relational concerns. By incorporating ethical, multicultural, and faith-based perspectives, the student develops a comprehensive understanding of systemic therapy in real-world clinical practice.

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After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to submit a thread of 300-400 words that demonstrates thoughtful engagement with the assigned topic. Each thread must be supported with at least 3 references to course readings, videos, or other scholarly sources as well as integrating a Christian worldview. All sources must have been published within the last 10 years. The student must then reply to 2 other classmates’ threads with at least 200 words per reply. Each reply must include at least 2 references. Discussions should demonstrate clear understanding of the topic and its relevance to clinical practice, an integration of systemic and evidence-based approaches, and faith-informed insight and cultural humility where appropriate. Current APA format must be used. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

The student will write a reflection paper based on course readings, class discussions, and his/her professional development as a systemic therapist. The paper will be 3–4 double-spaced pages and must include discussion of complex family systems, anticipated clinical challenges, and areas for self-growth. The assignment must include at least 2 references (1 from course materials and 1 from Scripture or another faith-based source) and be in current APA format. (CLO: A, E)

The student will respond to a provided clinical vignette using systemic and evidence-based models to assess relational patterns and develop an intervention plan. The paper will be 4–5 double-spaced pages in current APA format, and include application of at least 2 models covered in the course, including integration of cultural and ethical considerations. At least 2 scholarly references must be used. (CLO: A, B, D)

The student will complete a comprehensive 10–12 page case conceptualization paper that integrates multiple theories, systemic assessment, intervention strategies, and therapist self-reflection. This capstone-style paper is intended to prepare the student for future clinical work and final program assignments. The paper must include a minimum of 5 scholarly references and be in current APA format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

The student will log into the Gottman Training system and take the Certification Quiz. Then the student must upload the certificate to complete the quiz. The quiz will have 1 file-upload question and have a 1-hour time limit. (CLO: A, B, D)