Marriage and Family Therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that deals with family patterns of behavior, couples relationships, individuals challenges using a systemic framework to nurture change. They are trained in systems theories and licensed to diagnose mental and emotional diseases. Marriage and family therapists are trained to work in diverse clinical settings and conduct research in the field.
This program will ensure that all clients including but not limited to students, clients, supervisors, research participants, their demographic constellations; age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, political status, religious or spiritual beliefs, immigration status and all diverse populations are all treated with dignity, respect and in adherence to the AAMFT code of ethics. Students will be taught how to work with diverse populations from marginalized communities. MFT courses will be based on systemic/relational philosophy as well as the theoretical, research and ethical standards of MFT that incorporate the cultural diversity of Kenya.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Apply a systemic framework and clinical language in their clinical practice.
• Develop treatment plans after conducting mental status examination, assessment and diagnosis according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders system.
• Apply theories of psychotherapy to assessments and interventions;
• Apply professional ethics and law following Local and International standards;
• Review and synthesize empirical research in MFT.

Degree Requirements 57 Units
Students without a background in Psychology must take the following undergraduate Prerequisites: PSY 1101, PSY 1105, PSY 3110, PSY 3115 (PSY 3140 recommended).
Core Courses: 30 Units
Concentration courses: 12 Units
Thesis: 6 Units
Practicum courses: 9 Units

Core Courses 30 Units

MFT6800 Introduction to Family Therapy
MFT6802 Child Abuse and Family Violence
MFT 6803 Family Therapy with Adolescents and Children
MFT6805 Group Psychotherapy
MFT 6806 Supervision in MFT
MFT6807 Couples and Sex
MFT6812 Family Assessment
PSY6002 Research Methods
PSY 6220 Professional Ethics and the Law
PSY6704 Clinical Psychopathology I: Assessment and Diagnosis

Concentrations 12 Units

Choose any one track from the following two tracks:

Family Violence and Trauma

MFT 6819 First Responders, Military Personnel and Trauma
MFT 6821 Culture, Attachment and Trauma
MFT 6822 Immigration Trauma
MFT 6823 Trauma and the Family

Mindfulness and Family Therapy

MFT 6824 Mindfulness and Acceptance in Couples Therapy
MFT 6826 Mindfulness and Family Therapy
MFT 6827 Integrating Mindfulness and Narrative Therapy
MFT 6828 Mindfulness and Art Therapy

Elective Courses 3 Units

Choose any one course from the following:
MFT 6814 Men and Families
MFT 6815 Couple & Family Therapy with LGBTQ Relationships
MFT 6816 School Counseling Seminar
MFT 6817 Play Therapy
MFT 6818 Current Trends in the Field of Family Therapy
PSY 6114 Life Cycle Developmental Psychology

Thesis 6 Units

MFT6810 Master’s Thesis I
MFT6811 Master’s Thesis II

Practicum 9 Units

PSY 6771A Clinical Practicum I 3 units
PSY 6772A Clinical Practicum II 3 units
PSY 6773A Clinical Practicum III 3 units

Extra Credit Courses

**Available upon request and availability of quorum
MFT 6804 Publication & Research Presentation
MFT 6809 Family and Divorce Mediation
MFT 6813 Life Work and Planning
MFT 6814 Men and Families
MFT 6815 Couple & Family Therapy with LGBTQ Relationships
MFT 6816 School Counseling Seminar
MFT 6817 Play Therapy
MFT 6818 Current Trends in the Field of Family Therapy
MFT 6820 Substance Abuse and Childhood Trauma
MFT 6825 Mindfulness Based-play Family Therapy

Admission Requirements

• B.A. Psychology degree or closely related field is required from an accredited university with a minimum GPA 2.5 on a scale of 4 or Upper Second Class Honors. (An undergraduate degree in a non-psychology field requires completion of psychology pre-requisite coursework prior to full admission.)
• Graduate application and other required documents indicated on the program application form.
• An interview with Marriage and Family Therapy, and Psychology faculty.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Marriage and Family Therapy program may pursue careers in private practice, or as lead therapists in the following organizations, and others not listed below:

• Health / Residential Treatment Facilities
• Educational Institutions
• Legal and Correctional Systems
• International / Government / Social Service Agencies
• Military Organizations
• Faith-based Organizations