The program requirements include six core courses in family systems and family therapy, and 11 additional required courses.
Students also select one elective course, which augments the study of marital and family therapy.
This series of six courses taken consecutively at The Family Institute spans both academic years of the program, and covers a broad range of topics related to family systems and family therapy, including the Family Institute model of integrative, problem-centered couple and family therapy. Throughout each course, guest lecturers present on topics of specialization. In addition to attending course lectures, students meet with instructors in small groups for one hour of tutorial each week to discuss the material in greater depth, review relevant publications, apply case examples, submit presentations and papers, and do experiential learning exercises. This course is an introduction to the central theoretical underpinnings of systemic family therapy, providing a basic framework for assessment and intervention in family problems. Particular attention is paid to the assumptions basic to a systemic perspective.