Catalog 2009-2010
Lewis & Clark
Graduate School of Education and Counseling
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Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology: Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy
The Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy (MCFT) master of arts program is designed to lead graduates to eventual licensure and employment as marriage and family therapists in a variety of clinical and agency settings. The MCFT program curriculum provides the knowledge and skills necessary for practitioners to provide high-quality, effective therapy using active, positive approaches that help individuals, couples, and families build on their strengths, improve their relationships, and generate solutions to mental health and relational problems. The program is unique in its emphasis on taking a social justice perspective in the practice of family therapy.
The MCFT program uses a cohort model which encourages students to build relationships and help each other develop over time. Throughout the program, students complete readings and assignments to prepare for active participation and application exercises in the classroom. Practice skills are integrated throughout courses and students complete an extensive supervised clinical internship during the last 15 months of their program in order to develop core practice competencies.
Lewis & Clark's MCFT program is designed to meet the standards of accreditation set by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). It meets the academic requirements for state licensure in Oregon. Graduates of this program will have met the academic requirements needed to become licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT) and clinical members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
MCFT students can include a special concentration on addictions treatment in the context of families. Since addictions treatment is in great demand across the country, an opportunity to be trained in this area strengthens the practice focus of our students and increases their marketability. Students can also add coursework to meet the academic requirements for licensure as a Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon.
Degree Requirements
A minimum of 60 semester hours, chosen from the following list:
Degree Courses
CPSY 504 Family Therapy: Theory and Practice, 3 semester hours
CPSY 506 Life Span Development, 3 semester hours
CPSY 514 Group Counseling With Children and Adolescents, 3 semester hours
or CPSY 515 Group Counseling With Adults, 3 semester hours
CPSY 522 Diagnosis of Mental and Emotional Disorders, 2 semester hours
CPSY 526 Practical Skills for Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, 3 semester hours
CPSY 530 Research Methods and Statistics I, 3 semester hours
CPSY 550 Clinical Work With Diverse Populations, 3 semester hours
CPSY 558 Brief Systemic Therapies, 2 semester hours
CPSY 559 Social Constructionist and Critical Family Therapies, 2 semester hours
CPSY 560 Couple Therapy, 3 semester hours
CPSY 561 Assessment and Prevention in Family Therapy and Counseling, 3 semester hours
CPSY 562 Advanced Family Therapy, 3 semester hours
CPSY 563 Treatment Issues in Family Therapy, 3 semester hours
CPSY 564 Treating Addictions in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, 3 semester hours
CPSY 566 Ethical and Legal Issues in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, 2 semester hours
CPSY 569 Introduction to Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy, 1 semester hour
CPSY 578 Sex Therapy, 2 semester hours
CPSY 584 Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy, 3 semester hours
CPSY 588 Internship in Marriage and Family Therapy, 9 semester hours total
Graduate Core Requirement
A minimum of 2 semester hours and one Core convocation
Elective Courses
Any remaining required semester hours may be earned by taking elective courses.
Additional Courses for Concentration in Addictions Treatment (6 semester hours)
CPSY 545 Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior, 3 semester hours
CPSY 546 Models of Addiction and Recovery, 3 semester hours
or CPSY 547 Addictions Treatment: Procedures, Skills, and Case Management, 3 semester hours
Additional Courses for Licensure in Professional Counseling (12 semester hours)
CPSY 512 Theory of Counseling and Behavior Change with Children, 3 semester hours
or CPSY 513 Theory and Philosophy of Counseling, 3 semester hours
CPSY 520 Career Counseling, 3 semester hours
CPSY 523 Treatment Planning and Intervention With Children and Adolescents, 3 semester hours
CPSY 524 Treatment Planning and Intervention With Adults, 3 semester hours
CPSY 504 - Family Therapy: Theory and Practice
Overview of the fundamental assumptions and ideas of general systems theory and the basic premises of theoretical orientations within family therapy. Participants explore the application of course material to their work setting or training track. This course is not clinical in nature and is not designed to train or prepare participants to conduct family therapy.
Corequisite: CPSY 569.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 506 - Life Span Development
Exploration of life span development through the lenses of social, cultural, cognitive, biological, and learning theories and research. Emphasis is on gaining better conceptual understanding of healthy development and better practical understanding of how to help children, adolescents, and adults address the developmental challenges they face across the life span. Particular focus placed on understanding our own developmental processes as well as the role of cultural difference and commonality in the developmental process.
Prerequisite: None.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 512 - Counseling Theory: Cognitive, Affective, and Behavior Change in Children and Adolescents
Introduction to the theories guiding mental health work with children and adolescents in school and clinical settings. Reviews learning theories (classical, operant, and social). Participants explore the design and implementation of contingency-management programs and various CBT strategies for educational and clinical settings. Also considers psychoanalytic, Adlerian, client-centered, Gestalt, play therapy, reality therapy, solution-focused, and brief therapy theories. Issues of diversity and client matching are addressed throughout.
Corequisite: CPSY 503 or 569, or 507 and 508.
Prerequisite: None.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 513 - Theory and Philosophy of Counseling
Overview of counseling theories such as psychoanalytic, Adlerian, client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, multi-modal, Gestalt, feminist, existential, solution-focused, and brief therapy, as well as integrative approaches. Examines a wide range of theoretical perspectives and advocates professional knowledge of best practices. Students acquire knowledge of various counseling theories and critique their relevance to diverse populations and clinical situations. Students clarify their personal assumptions and learn how to explain their own theoretical stance. Issues of diversity and client matching are addressed throughout.
Corequisite: CPSY 503 or 569.
Prerequisite: None.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 514 - Group Counseling With Children and Adolescents
Instruction and practice in developing group treatments for children and adolescents in clinical and school settings. Students gain practice as group leaders in addressing issues related to group dynamics, cultural diversity, potential problems encountered when running groups, and generalization and maintenance of behavioral change. Students also gain experience constructing curricula for specific issues such as divorce, substance use, grief, and social skills.
Prerequisite: CPSY 503 or 569, or 507 and 508.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 515 - Group Counseling With Adults
Introduction to the major schools of group therapy and the common factors associated with positive outcomes. Covers group dynamics, obstacles to success in group therapy, and the stages of group process. Role-playing, outside group membership, and demonstrations illustrate principles of effective group leadership.
Prerequisite: CPSY 503 or 569.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 520 - Career Counseling
Career development theories; current career trends, concerns, and programs/interventions for diverse client populations; career counseling strategies, tools, and resources (including Web-based resources); facilitation of client awareness, choice, and action with respect to career-related issues; integration of career counseling with mental health and addictions treatment. Emphasis is on developing a broad view of career as lifestyle, the mutual impact of career and culture, and the practical application of theory and information in a professional counseling context.
Prerequisite: CPSY 503 or 569, or 507 and 508.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 522 - Diagnosis of Mental and Emotional Disorders
Introduction to the structure and uses of the DSM-IV and ICD-9 systems for diagnosing mental and emotional disorders. Limits and weaknesses of these approaches—especially with regard to cultural differences—and alternatives to them. How to use these systems effectively in the context of person-centered, psychosocial, and systemic interventions, and in culturally diverse environments. Current knowledge, theory, and issues regarding selected disorders. Use of technology-based research tools to secure and evaluate contemporary knowledge.
Corequisite: CPSY 512 or 513.
Prerequisite: CPSY 503 or 569.
Credit: 2 semester hours.
CPSY 526 - Practical Skills in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy
Overview of basic relational therapy cemcepts and skills, including skll development through role-playing and simulated counseling experiences.
Prerequisite: CPSY 504, 566, and 569.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 530 - Research Methods and Statistics I
Introduction to research methods with an emphasis on design, sampling, measurement issues, and introductory data analysis. Topics include (1) research design: elements of the research process, types of designs, program evaluation; (2) ethical considerations of research: informed consent, research with diverse and vulnerable populations, research with children, human subjects review; (3) basic measurement concepts: validity, reliability, norms, score interpretation; (4) basic statistical concepts: frequency distributions, central tendency, measures of variability, correlation. Reviews Web-based resources for conducting research.
Prerequisite: None.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
Note: Taught during the fall semester only, as the first course of a two-semester sequence. Students who wish to pursue the thesis-option M.S. program are advised to take this sequence as early as possible in their course of study.
CPSY 545 - Drugs, the Brain, and Behavior
Psychopharmacology of alcohol and drug abuse. Major drugs and classes of abused substances. Mechanisms of action in the brain, patterns of physiological response in abuse, addiction, and recovery. Impact on brain function, cognition, emotions, behavior, and social effects. Pharmacological adjuncts to detoxification and treatment.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Counseling Psychology Department office. Priority is given to students in the Addiction Studies and Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy programs.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 546 - Models of Addiction and Recovery
Theories of the nature, course, causes, and effects of addiction to alcohol and drugs of abuse. Conditions, processes, and patterns of recovery. Emphasis on physiological, social learning, and interpersonal models and theories. Natural history of onset, abuse, addiction, and recovery; effects of intergenerational transmission, genetic predilection, developmental risk, and sociocultural factors; effects on psychosocial development; impact of culture and gender differences. Implications for treatment.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Counseling Psychology Department office. Priority is given to students in the Addiction Studies and Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy programs.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 547 - Addictions Treatment: Procedures, Skills, and Case Management
Emphasis on developing detailed understanding and beginning skills in the use of specific strategies, procedures, and interventions in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance abuse and addictive disorders. Topics include multiple modes and models of assessment, intervention and treatment, content and basic assumptions of different treatment modalities, organization of comprehensive treatment strategies, motivational interviewing in the context of stages-of-change models, contracting with clients, consultation, integration of medical and psychosocial treatments, referral processes and standards, issues of moderation versus abstinence, relapse prevention, and case management. Also covers documentation, record keeping and management, confidentiality, and ethical and legal issues.
Presrequisite: Permission of the Counseling Psychology Department office. Priority is given to students in the Addiction Studies and Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy programs.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 550 - Clinical Work With Diverse Populations
Development of counseling techniques for working with clients who are diverse in culture, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, or physical or mental ability. Focus is on helping students become capable therapists in varied environments, including becoming aware of their own beliefs, biases, and prejudices.
Corequisite: CPSY 569.
Prerequisite: CPSY 503, or 507 and 508.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 558 - Brief Systemic Therapies
Survey of the history, theoretical assumptions, and techniques of several approaches to brief systemic therapy. Structural and solution-focused family therapy approaches are covered in detail.
Corequisite: CPSY 584 and 588.
Prerequisite: CPSY 504.
Credit: 1-2 semester hours.
CPSY 559 - Social Constructionist and Critical Family Therapy
This course covers the history, theoretical assumptions, and practice of social constructionist and critical family therapies. Special attention is paid to how societal structures, modern practices of power, and internalized cultural discourses contribute to family problems and can constrain clients' abilities to make desired change. The primary focus of the course is on the application of narrative therapy in work with families.
Corequisite: CPSY 582/583 or 584/588.
Prerequisite: CPSY 504.
Credit: 2 semester hours.
CPSY 560 - Couple Therapy
Systems theory therapies and practices relative to assessment, research, and treatment of couples. Explores cognitive, affective, interactional, and systemic theories of human behavior and change as related to couples.
Prerequisite: CPSY 504.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 561 - Assessment and Prevention in Family Therapy and Counseling
Examination of the theoretical assumptions, values, and cultural frameworks underlying individual, couple, and family assessment approaches. Specific assessment techniques and tools are discussed, evaluated, and practiced. Preventative interventions such as premarital counseling and parent education are also explored and critiqued from a critical multicultural perspective.
Prerequisite: CPSY 504.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 562 - Advanced Family Therapy
Introduction to the practice of systemic therapy. In this survey course, students learn the history, theoretical assumptions, and primary techniques associated with each of the major family therapy models. Students practice using theory to guide interventions through case examples, video, and role plays.
Prerequisite: CPSY 504.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 563 - Treatment Issues in Family Therapy
Applications of family systems approach to treatment of families in crisis and transition. Topics include issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, trauma and loss, poverty, and chronic illness. A portion of this course emphasizes clinical case conceptualization and treatment planning.
Prerequisite: CPSY 504.
Credit: .5-3 semester hours.
CPSY 564 - Treating Addictions in Marriage and Family Therapy
Family systems view of the development and maintenance of substance abusing patterns for family therapists and other health practitioners. Examines the contributions made to the understanding and treatment of substance abuse by family researchers, theorists, and clinicians. Considers clinical intervention methods of substance abuse with attention to the treatment of adolescents, couples, and families.
Prerequisite: CPSY 504 and permission of the Counseling Psychology Department office. Priority is given to students in the Addiction Studies and Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy programs.
Credit: 3 semester hours.
CPSY 566 - Legal and Ethical Issues in Family Therapy and Counseling
Survey of current issues relating to ethical practice and legal responsibilities in family therapy and counseling. Addresses issues such as confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, and therapist liability. Includes models for ethical decision making, working with the legal system, and relevant aspects of family law.
Corequisite: CPSY 560.
Prerequisite: CPSY 504, 562.
Credit: 2 semester hours.
CPSY 569 - Introduction to Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy
Basic theoretical assumptions of the profession of marriage, couple and family therapy, with an overview of its historical roots, social and cultural contexts, types of practice, ethical principles, and professional orientation.
Prerequisites: CPSY 504, 561, and 562.
Credit: 1 semester hour.
CPSY 578 - Sex Therapy
Sexual health and introduction to treatment of sexual issues. Topics include sexual development across the lifespan, sexual orientation and identity, critique of the social construction of sex, systemic bio-psycho-social-spiritual assessment of sexual well-being, and treatment of specific sexual problems.
Corequisite: CPSY 560.
Prerequisite: CPSY 504, 562.
Credit: 2 semester hours.
CPSY 584 - Practicum in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy
Supervised practicum bridging the theoretical and practical as students apply their emerging skills in facilitating therapy and psycho-education with individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Prerequisite: Consent of advisor.
Credit: 3 semester hours, CR/NC.
CPSY 588 - Internship in Marriage, Couple and Family Therapy
Intensive clinical training and experience in individual, couple, family, and group therapy during a supervised calendar-year internship.
Prerequisite: CPSY 584, consent of advisor.
Credit: 3 semester hours each semester, for a total of 9 semester hours, CR/NC.