This article reflects a review of research relevant to family systems training and the use of films in the teaching of family systems theory. Advantages and disadvantages of using movies in an introductory-level graduate family therapy course are discussed. An outline of family therapy training objectives, as well as examples of a movie-based…

Evaluated admission and program requirements of 50 California-based programs in light of current legal and professional guidelines related to master's-level training programs in marriage and family therapy. Findings suggest that programs often depart significantly from ideals and suggested standards. (Author/ABL)

Discusses specialization programs, typically consisting of one or two theory/overview courses housed within traditional counseling/therapy department, that offer introduction to marital and family therapy at master's level. Proposes alternative model that attempts to improve conceptual integration and skill development by offering an…

Reviews ethnicity in the family therapy training literature, concluding that the literature on training for a multiethnic perspective in marital and family therapy is limited, conflicting, and not empirically based. Describes an original exercise that teaches counselors-in-training the significance of ethnicity to family functioning. (Author/NB)

Investigates the effects of individualized relationship assessment and feedback, in relation to simply completing written questionnaires, on the couples' (n=48) satisfaction and commitment. Assessment-feedback couples improved more over time than did written-assessment-only couples. (JPS)

Describes the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy's entry into continuing education on a voluntary basis for its members, the organization's cooperation with other mental health professional groups, and mentions the strong role that consumer protection plays in encouraging continuing education for professional persons. (Author)

Describes how Brigham Young University selects applicants to master's and doctoral programs in marriage and family therapy. Explains how traditional methods are augmented by use of highly reliable interaction-analysis instrument, a microcomputer, and large computer frame to analyze verbal interactions of applicants who conduct therapy with coached…

Describes masters level course for marriage and family therapists that teaches systemic underpinnings of field while also addressing feminist critique of ideas. Notes goal of course is for students to understand and adopt gender sensitive view; students then have a yardstick as they study and evaluate marriage and family therapy theories, observe…

Discusses feature films as an educational technique for the instruction and development of perceptual, conceptual, and executive counseling skills in marriage and family counselor education curricula. Outlines the advantages for using films in counselor education and presents various strategies for using them in the classroom. (Contains 18…

Compares two accredited marriage and family therapy programs: one includes a separate course on gender, and the other integrates gender through the curriculum. Results indicate that students from the integrated program view their peers as incorporating gender ideas in therapy to a significantly greater extent. Students from the program that has a…

Provides an overview of marriage and family counseling, including the growth of interest in this specialty within the American Counseling Association (ACA). Discusses the evolution of marriage and family counseling within ACA, standards for training, credentialing, and unique ethical considerations when counseling couples and families. (Author)

Explores whether marital relationships of doctoral students are affected while they are in graduate school. Results show no significant differences among the marital satisfaction of graduate students at different stages in their program. Differences were found with couples involved in marital therapy. Spouses of graduate students reported less…

This document presents a review of the literature on salient ethical issues in marriage and family counseling. Issues addressed in the paper include: (1) defining the client and the welfare and rights of individuals versus those of the family system; (2) issues of informed consent and manipulative therapeutic interventions; (3) issues related to…

Outlines key factors doctoral students need to consider when selecting a marriage and family therapy (MFT) internship site, including quality and type of supervision, clinical caseload and type of clients, additional training opportunities, professional contacts and social support, and the effects of the board of directors on the internship…

Summarizes and compares accreditation standards in marriage and family counseling/therapy by two accreditation bodies, the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Concludes that CACREP and COAMFTE standards are well…