MFT 280-289 A-Z - Special Topics

Semester Hours: 1-4

Current Special Topics

MFT 280B - Using CBT with Couples and Family

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Couples and Families introduces the training systemic clinician into the world of behavioral and cognitive science in the professional practice of marriage and family therapy. The class experience is a balance of academic rigor and interactive learning aimed to develop student clinician’s knowledge of applying CBT theory, methods and approaches to work with couples and families. Students will hone their research and theoretical analysis skills by becoming familiar with peer reviewed research to inform their knowledge of CBT. The course includes an overview of CBT history, CBT theoretical foundations in marriage and family therapy, a review of CBT assessment and case formulation and exposure to CBT interventions and tools.

MFT 280D - Foundations of Dialectical Behavior Therapy

This course will provide a thorough examination of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, an evidenced based treatment model for chronically self-injuring and suicidal clients. Lectures will introduce students to the foundations and techniques used in Dialectical Behavior Therapy, with an emphasis on the application of DBT skills in psychoeducational groups and with family systems.

MFT 282J - Systemic Therapy with LGBTQ+ Clients

The course will begin with a view to the ways in which cultural, legal, and psychological contexts have historically shaped our understandings of LGBTQ+ people, and how these understandings continue to shape the social conditions that exist today. Students will consider the differences between the dominant narrative of the community that is prevalent in modern Western society, and the reality based in lived experience and scientific understanding of gender and sexuality. Diversity, developmental, and intersectional factors will be included in discussion to provide a culturally and contextually informed understanding of LGBTQ+ clients and their needs.

MFT 283B - Diagnosis and Assessment in Couples and Families

This course provides and in-depth look into diagnosis and assessment within the marriage and family therapy (MFT) field and current approaches to couple and family counseling with an emphasis on a systemic conceptual model of family functioning and culturally sensitive therapeutic interventions. It is designed to develop competencies for beginning MFTs and practitioners in other mental health disciplines who wish to become competent in couple and family therapy.

MFT 283E - Substance Use in Family Systems

This course will provide on overview of substance use disorders and working with family systems. Lectures will introduce students to the foundations and techniques to apply systemic treatment models to meet client needs.

Prerequisite(s)/Course Notes:
As individual subjects are selected, each is assigned a letter (A-Z) and added to the course number. Specific titles and course descriptions for special topics courses are available in the online class schedule. Any course may be taken a number of times so long as there is a different letter designation each time it is taken.

View Course Offering(s):

Fall 2025

January 2026

Spring 2026