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INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY THERAPY TRAINING

POST MASTER’S PROGRAM IN ADVANCED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORK

This program is designed to meet the need for continuing education in clinical practice in a variety of social work settings. Two sequences lead to a certificate in either Family Therapy or Individual Therapy.
Collaboratively designed by advanced social work educator-clinicians based in the university and the community, it reflects the commitment to the shared responsibility of the academic and practice sectors of the social work profession to continuing education and practice enhancement.
The curriculum reflects the professional identity of clinical social work, resting on the use of social work values, knowledge incorporated in skill, and clinical social work practice requiring a bio-psycho-social context as the framework for assessment and intervention, whether the unit of attention is the individual or the family.

PROGRAM OPTIONS

Two-Year Program in Family or Individual Practice

The curriculum in both Individual and Family Therapy may be completed in a minimum of two years. Eight courses are required; one theory class and one practicum taken together in each of four semesters. In addition, all students participate in a mini-course in Social Work Values and Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice.

All classes must be completed within the two-year period. Some students may be asked to take additional supervisory work based on an assessment of their background and performance, in order to assure their success in meeting program criteria. Evidence of successful completion of course requirements, including the submission of papers demonstrating advanced understanding of theory and practice, is required before a student may advance to the next level of work. At the end of each year, faculty members submit their assessments of each student for review to a qualifying panel which includes the sequence chairs and the program director.

Optional Third Year in Family or Individual Practice

Completion of the optional third year allows certification in both areas. Students certified in individual work are eligible to take a third year within the Family Treatment Sequence. Students certified in family work can take a third year in the Individual Treatment Sequence.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY SEQUENCE

Introduction

Social work places particular emphasis on the interplay between the internal world and the environmental forces shaping individual development. This orientation is reflected in the curriculum design which highlights post-classical psychodynamic theory embracing ego and milieu.

First Year

101 Advanced Theory of Human Development (2 hours, 4 credits) Normative Development:
Neonate-Age 7
Early normal development processes and tasks are reviewed within the context of the environment. Central theoretical constructs that form the basis of psychodynamic understanding of the processes, their interaction and consequences are studied. Topographic theory, structural theory, psychosexual stage theory, gender development, object relations theory and the adaptive dimension of the ego are explored through their relationship with the environment.

101P Practicum (2 hours, 4 credits)
A seminar for small groups of students which integrates the theory of practice through student study of their own cases and application of assigned readings.

102 Advanced Theory of Human Development (2 hours, 4 credits) Normative Development:
Age 7- Adulthood
The study of post-oedipal development using the structural, topographic, adaptational, and object relations perspectives introduced in the first semester. Emphasis is on the interplay of internal and external factors as development unfolds through latency, adolescence, and adulthood. Theories of anxiety and character are studied within the context of developmental stages and life events.

102P Practicum (2 hours, 4 credits)
Continuation of first semester practicum.

Second Year

103 Deviations from Normal Development (2 hours, 4 credits)
This year focuses on deviations from normal development, etiologies and their presentations in clinical practice.
Central dimensions of functional assessment are clarified. During the first semester symptom formation, borderline and narcissistic personality disorders, affective disorders, schizophrenias, and other psychotic conditions are studied. The nature of object relationships, ego capacities and the defensive repertoire are highlighted.

103P Practicum (2 hours, 4 credits)
The integrating practicum is closely coordinated with the companion theory course. Focus is upon ways of using differential assessment in practice. Students’ case presentations are used to integrate theory and practice.

104 Deviations from Normal Development (2 hours, 4 credits)
Continuation of the first semester theory course.

104P Practicum (2 hours, 4 credits)
Continuation of the first semester practicum.

105E Social Work Values and Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice (1-1/2 hours, 1 credit)
A three-session mini-course which explores client/practitioner value conflicts and how they affect the mutual decision-making process.

FAMILY THERAPY SEQUENCE

Introduction

The Family Therapy Sequence is composed of four theory courses and four practica. For the practica, students must either bring families or tapes of sessions to allow their work progress to be monitored and directed.
All theory and practicum courses make use of students’ practicum experience throughout the academic year. This promotes learning about families with special structures and/or severe disorders. Cultural differences between family and therapist and implications for treatment will be addressed.

First Year

301 Introduction to Systems Thinking in Family Therapy, Family Typology, and Family Developmental Stages (2 hours, 4 credits)
Students acquire a working knowledge of family systems theory. Components of a family include its structure, family developmental stage, and ecosystem. Care is taken to assess the role of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and class in a family’s life when establishing a hypothesis which becomes the foundation of planning an appropriate intervention. Theory and techniques of structural family treatment are emphasized. Students have begun to use basic interviewing, assessment and intervention skills by the conclusion of this semester.

301P Practicum (2 hours, 4 credits)
Students are required to see two families per week throughout the semester. Family subgroups also are acceptable when clinically appropriate. Students are expected to present and discuss their work in the practicum. The student must bring at least one family to the practicum group either by live interview or video recorded session. Students must arrange for family therapy supervision either at their agency or with a supervisor of her/his choice who meets the standards of the Program.

302 Expanding the Family Therapist’s Knowledge Base (2 hours, 4 credits)
Family-of-origin therapy, narrative therapy, and collaborative treatment (as influenced by social construction and feminist theory) will be taught. Students will become skilled in questioning for information gathering, assessment, or intervention, the exploration of family themes over generations and the use of coaching in treatment. By the conclusion of the first year, students will have mastered a broad base of assessment and intervention skills that include family structure, pattern, and beliefs, They also will have a working ability to assess which approach is most appropriate for a particular family.

302P Practicum (2 hours, 4 credits)
Three family interviews per week are required.

Second Year

303 Brief Family Therapy (2 hours, 4 credits)
Two specific models of brief solution-focused family therapy will be taught. Both models underscore the necessity of a clear definition of goals. Both also focus on the use of language to facilitate change. Students will develop skills in strategic treatment as well as the ability to use questioning in the session as the primary instrument of promoting change.

303P Practicum (2 hours, 4 credits)
As in 301P with the requirement of four family interviews per week, students must bring at least one family each semester to the practicum.

304 Couples Treatment (2 hours, 4 credits)
Focus will be on the marital, common law and same sex couple as the unit of treatment.
Students will have the opportunity to apply previously studied theories to this work and are expected to carry at least one couple in treatment during this semester.

304P Practicum (2 hours, 4 credits)
Four family interviews per week are required.

305E Social Work Values and Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice (1-1/2 hours, 1 credit)
A three-session course which explores client/practitioner value conflicts and how they affect their mutual decision-making process.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION

To enroll in the certificate program, students must have at least an MSW, or equivalent certification from another state. Students also must have direct practice experience, either as part of their master’s level education or in professional practice. To participate in the certificate program, students must be in current practice in their chosen area of specialization (individual or family treatment). If this is not yet the case at the time of application, the student needs to verify how this practice requirement can be met by the start of classes.

PERSONAL THERAPY
A disciplined use of self is essential for competence in clinical social work. While personal therapy is not required; the student has the responsibility, with the help of instructors, to identify whether personal characteristics interfere in any way with the student’s ability to be effective, and to take therapeutic measures to overcome obstacles to competent performance.

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
Classes meet one night each week. Students enrolled in the certificate program will receive a course schedule upon registration, or in the mail. Room assignments are posted in the entrance lobby of the School of Social Work. Classes cancelled because of school holidays or other special circumstances will be rescheduled in consultation with the instructor and the office.

LOCATION
Courses are held at the Hunter College School of Social Work, 129 East 79th Street, New York, NY

COURSE CREDIT
Each course is assigned 4 credits, except for the Ethics course, which is assigned 1 credit. To receive a certificate in a concentration, students are required to complete all 33 credits within the program. Letters of completion are available upon request from the program administrator.

ATTENDANCE
Regular required courses are given in 14 consecutive sessions; credit requires no more than two absences. The three-session Ethics course meets 6-9 pm on three consecutive weeks at the start of the second year.

WITHDRAWAL
Students who withdraw before classes commence will be reimbursed for fees less the application fee. Twenty-five percent of tuition will be reimbursed if a student withdraws after the first class session. No other reimbursements are possible.

APPLICATION

Applications are available online (Hunter College School of Social Work; tab for Post-Masters
Programs) or by mail at 129 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075
(212)452-7050