Master’s Degree in Family Therapy
The Couple and Family Therapy program is a unique collaboration between Council for Relationships and Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Health Professions, bringing together the talents and resources of two respected organizations.
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If you are a student interested in a career in Couple and Family Therapy or an applicant with, or who will be earning, a bachelor’s degree before enrollment, click the button below and complete the form.
The program has two specialty tracks: family therapy and sex therapy.
This is a full-time, two-year, 66-credit program, which is modeled on the core curriculum developed by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), focusing on key areas of contemporary practice, including:
- Couple and marital counseling
- Diversity
- Families in transition (divorce or remarriage)
- Family therapy with children
- Family violence
- Medical family therapy
- Sex therapy
Curriculum
The curriculum reflects a biopsychosocial approach to understanding human behavior, viewing the behavior of individuals, couples, families, and larger systems as the result of an interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. It also reflects a commitment to training therapists to be aware of and sensitive to issues of cultural diversity and their impact on family functioning and the therapeutic process.
The curriculum varies slightly depending on the program track you choose. Students must complete 500 direct clinical hours and 100 hours of supervision, 50 hours of which must be based on raw data as defined by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE).
Speciality Tracks
Sex Therapy Track offers students the opportunity to learn and practice the various therapeutic skills necessary for the field of sex therapy.
Family Therapy Track offers specialized study in interpersonal issues facing couples and families. These include family violence, substance abuse, chronic medical conditions and the blending of families.
Practicum
The Program requires 500 hours of direct clinical experience and 200 of those hours must be with couples or families. Students receive a minimum of 100 hours of supervision, at least 50 hours of which is based on direct observation, videotape, or audiotape. Students complete 8–10 hours of clinical practice per week and receive both individual and group supervision.
Practicum placements are available at a variety of clinical settings, including various CFR locations and community partner sites in the Philadelphia region. Students have a variety of options for their clinical placements and training.
Prerequisites
The majority of your prerequisites must be completed before an admissions decision can be made. You do not need to have your prerequisites completed before you apply.
Application Process/Applying
The application process is handled through Thomas Jefferson University. Please visit the application page for full details on the application process and to apply. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the cycle until the class is filled; decisions are granted on a rolling basis. We may contact academically eligible applicants via email to schedule an interview (provided space is still available).
Information Sessions
Information sessions are held regularly for those interested in learning more about the program. You will learn about:
- Collaborative curriculum with Council for Relationships and Thomas Jefferson University
- Specialty Tracks: Family Therapy and Sex Therapy
- Clinical Experience
- Application Process and Admissions Requirements
If you are interested in attending an information session: Click Here.
After you submit the form, a personal page will be created for you on Jefferson’s website where you will be able to register for the next information session.
Faculty & Staff
Experienced CFR clinicians teach in the program and provide supervision for students as they complete their clinical hour requirements. Council for Relationships Staff Therapists who serve as Thomas Jefferson University faculty members include:
[coming soon]
Questions & Contacts
To learn more about the COAMFTE-accredited program*, including admissions requirements, please visit Thomas Jefferson University’s Department of Counseling and Behavioral Health website.
For questions about the program, please contact:
Erica Wilkins, PhD, LMFT
Program Director
Couple and Family Therapy Program
Erica.Wilkins@jefferson.edu
For questions about admissions, please contact:
Devin M. Sullivan-Phillips
Associate Director, Graduate Admissions
Thomas Jefferson University
devin.sullivan.phillips@jefferson.edu
215-503-9847
*The Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Thomas Jefferson University, in partnership with Council for Relationships, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), 112 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, (703) 838-9808, coa@aamft.org.