Master of Family Therapy

This course examines the characteristics and impact of intra-familial violence and abuse of adults and children. The curriculum of this course:

• Focuses on the nature and scope of this epidemic problem and reviews key contributing factors
• Examines issues of gender, power and socioeconomic status 
• Discusses sexual, physical and emotional abuse of adults and children
• Reviews systems-oriented treatment approaches for all family members, with an emphasis on accurate assessment and developing appropriate interventions

This course examines the complex interactions between physical illness, family functioning and the clinical interventions that can be utilized in these situations. The curriculum of this course:

• Reviews the empirical findings and theoretical concepts that form the basis of this emerging field
• Develops a bio-psychosocial framework for understanding and treating a variety of common clinical problems, such as psychosomatic symptoms, coping with chronic illness and chronic pain, grief and end of life issues
• Discusses collaboration with other healthcare providers

This course builds on Introduction to Sex Therapy, and offers advanced understanding of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment models for sex therapy practitioners. Students learn and engage in the practice of these therapeutic modalities throughout the course.  

The curriculum for this course: 

• Pays specific attention to learning the techniques of sex-related assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the psychosexual disorders as described in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 
• Explores theory and methods of both psychological and medical interventions 

This course is an extension of Advanced Sex Therapy I (which is a prerequisite), to give students greater insight into the field of sex therapy and opportunities to practice the skills learned in their previous courses.  

The curriculum for this course: 

• Focuses on giving students the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the impact of society on sexuality and sexuality on society, and how those impacts affect the clients we serve.  
• Emphasizes the cultural systems, the relationship system, the dynamics of sexual functioning within that system, and desired points and modalities of intervention to increase clients’ well-being, sexual satisfaction, and relationship satisfaction.  

Each of these advanced sex therapy courses will include a mandatory one day Advanced Sexual Attitude/Values training experience.*

The SAR is a process-oriented, structured group experience that includes lectures, explicit media, experiential activities and small group discussions. As part of the Sex Therapy track, students will engage in two eight-hour SAR experiences (beginner and advanced).  The beginner SAR experience is held in conjunction with Advanced to Sex Therapy I, and the advanced SAR experience is held in conjunction with Advanced Sex Therapy II course. 

The primary objective is to give participants the opportunity to explore their attitudes, feelings and beliefs about sexuality and how this influences them professionally and personally. Sessions are not intended to be a traditional academic experience to disseminate cognitive information, nor psychotherapy directed toward the resolution of personal problems. The workshop presents a highly personal, internal exploration, different for each participant.