Marriage and Family Therapy Course Descriptions

CPSY 6001: Tests and Measurement
Rationale and assumptions underlying psychological tests. Consideration and evaluation of the types of tests commonly used in education and psychology. Introduction to theoretical foundations for assessing psychological constructs including methods for estimating reliability/validity and techniques for scale construction.
(3 credits)

CPSY 6003: Counseling Skills
Skill building experience in facilitative behaviors (empathy, genuiness, extending client communication) using such techniques as modeling, role-playing, video feedback, as well as other training methodologies. Extensive research has indicated that certain basic skills, interpersonal in nature, are essential to all helping relationships.
(3 credits)

CPSY 6101: Personality Theory
Overview of major theories of personality, including psychoanalytic, ego psychology, humanistic, learning existential/phenomenological. Emphasis on structure and dynamics of personality, and implications for understanding behavior. Some primary source readings required. Current issues, such as gender identity, included.
(3 credits)

CPSY 6102: Psychology of Human Development
Overview of current theories of human development: biological, psychological, social, emotional and cognitive aspects of maturation and growth through the life cycle. Implications for child rearing, education, mental health. Theorists include Werner, Piaget, Erikson, Maslow.
(3 credits)

CPSY 6103: Abnormal Psychology
Survey of maladaptions in light of current theory and research, including sociocultural factors, defense mechanisms, coping with stress. Etiology, diagnosis, treatment of classical syndromes. Understanding the individual; epidemiological and community approaches to treatment and prevention.
(3 credits)

CPSY 6105: Biological Bases of Behavior
Essentials of neurology and endocrinology, sensation and perception; brain waves, sleep and arousal; physical aspects of emotions; genetic influences; special topics, such as MBD, aphasia, psychochemistry, disorders affecting the learning and cognitive processes, biofeedback, split brain.
(3 credits)

CPSY 6315: Problems and Techniques of Counseling
Issues in counseling such as rapport, readiness, resistance, transference and counter transference. Counselor variable such as values, needs, interpersonal orientation, and their relationship to the counseling model. Presentation and review of counseling techniques. Use of the case study method to expand student's awareness and sensitivity, the complexity of the individual. Focus on skill development through the use of audio tapes, and role playing.
(3 credits)

CPSY 6316: Group Counseling
Requires active participation in training group setting. Students learn group process through participation. Factors such as resistance, transference, group climate, norms and stages of development will be observed, experienced and studied. The format of this course will be experiential, not lecture discussion.
(3 credits)

CPSY 6601: Couple and Family Dynamics: Systemic Perspectives
An introduction to family systems therapy and thinking including preliminary exposure to a variety of perspectives on families and couples. Students acquire an understanding of normative family life cycle patterns and transitions as well as changing patterns in the family life cycle. The roles of gender and ethnicity in normative family patterns and in family based therapeutic interventions are discussed.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7005: Statistical Theory and Computer Applications I
Students will be taught the interaction between measurement, research design and statistical analysis in sociobehavioral research. Statistical theory will be presented so students gain an insight to modern statistical methods. All students will demonstrate proficiency with current software for data analysis.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7006: Statistical Theory and Computer Application II
Students will learn to use methods of data analysis that apply to experimental and nonexperimental research. Multiple regression and the generalized linear model will be presented for both univariate and multivariate data analysis problems. Students will conduct univariate and multivariate data analysis using modern computer software.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7101: Research Methodology
Systematic analysis and clarification of research problems, explanation of relationships between research hypothesis and research procedures and appropriate techniques for analyzing data and evaluating evidence.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7104: Social Cognition and Human Learning
Processes of cognition as they develop in regards to relationships and systems. Human learning capacities focusing on schools, and families, maximizing potentials, difficulties requiring intervention and the interphases with assessment.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7502: Individual Cognitive Assessment
Measurement and evaluation of intelligence. Students learn to administer and evaluate the various Wechsler scales, and other selected measures of intelligence. Report writing and oral presentation techniques are stressed. Intelligence is viewed as a construct, an important component of the total personality, and influenced by significant external factors. Current issues such as adaptive behavior considered.
(4 credits)

CPSY 7503: Introduction to Projective Techniques
Theory of projective techniques. Administration and interpretation of selected projective techniques, such as H-T-P, TAT, kinetic family drawings. Ego psychology as a theoretical framework. Observational skills and report writing.
(4 credits)

CPSY 7504: Introduction to Rorschach Techniques
Theory, administration, scoring and interpretation of the Rorschach, with special reference to children and adolescents. Discussion of its place in the total diagnostic battery.
(4 credits)

CPSY 7506: Cognitive Assessment of Children and Adolescents
Cognitive assessment with the focus on children and adolecents.
(4 credits)

CPSY 7507: Personality Assessment of Children and Adolescents
Personality assessment with an emphasis on children and adolescents.
(4 credits)

CPSY 7508: Family Assessment Techniques
A thorough exploration of the processes and instruments pertinent to evaluating and diagnosing couples, families, systems, and individuals in context.
(4 credits)

CPSY 7515: Social Psychology
Exploration of the processes of mutual influences between individuals and groups. Topics include self as social, person perception, interpersonal attraction, pro-social behavior, aggression, attitudes and attitude change, and intergroup relations.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7610: Human Sexuality I
Study of the development of male and female traits. Influence of society, culture and ethnicity in assuming masculinity and femininity. Investigation of issues within the area.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7611: Human Sexuality II
Designed to prepare doctoral and post master's students in the methods, strategies and techniques for diagnosis and intervention into problems of human social function. Primary emphasis on use of various proven methods as well as the techniques necessary for intervening into areas where clients have suffered physical and emotional illness.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7615: Gender and Ethnicity in the Family
Explores the influence of gender and ethnicity on individual development and on family development and dynamics. Social, cultural, educational, economic, and behavioral factors are discussed in terms of their influences on men and women within families, and on relational styles among culturally diverse families. Consideration of gender and ethnicity as related to family therapy practice and theory will also be addressed.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7620: Seminar in Systemic Therapies
In-depth examination and discussion of current theoretical trends in marriage and family therapy. Comparison of models and formulation of one's own theoretical model.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7621: Couple and Family Systems Techniques I
Analysis of specific techniques associated with major theoretical approaches Palo Alto, Haley, de Shazer, Narrative. Attention given to skill development through use of role play, feedback, and case review.
(3 credits)

CPSY 7622: Couple and Family Systems Techniques II
Focus on techniques of Bowen, Minuchin, Papp and Madanes for treating couples and families. Classroom used as laboratory for enhancing skill development.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8004: Supervised Research in Marriage and Family I
Independent study. Doctoral students serve as research assistants for faculty members on projects relevant to marriage and family processes.
(1 credit)

CPSY 8005: Supervised Research in Marriage and Family II
Independent study. Doctoral students serve as research associates for faculty members on projects relevant to marriage and family processes.
(1 credit)

CPSY 8010: Seminar: Ethical and Legal Issues in Professional Psychology and Therapy
Codes of ethics and their application to professional issues. Current laws and court decisions affecting professional psychologists. Discussion of ethical dilemmas and the process of individual decision making.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8011: Seminar in Ethical and Legal Issues: A Systemic Approach
Exploration of the professional, ethical and legal issues in assessing and treating families, couples and individuals. Includes codes of ethics, laws and court decisions. Focuses on applications and decision making in practice.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8101: Family Systems Research Methods
An advanced course on research methodology with specific emphasis on systems.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8102: Seminar: Childhood and Adolescent Development in Context
An advanced course on the processes and stages of children's and adolescents' development from a systemic perspective.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8103: Seminar: Adult Development and Aging in Context
An advanced course on the processes and stages of adulthood and aging from a systemic perspective.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8517: Seminar in Psychopathology and Systemic Diagnoses
Exploration of etiology, dynamics and diagnosis of the range of physiological, psychological, interpersonal, family-systems and larger-systems pathologies affecting individual and group living. Instruction in differential and comprehensive diagnoses with attention to contextual and relational processes in dysfunctional development and coping.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8518: Seminar: Systemic Perspectives on Human Pathologies
Exploration of clinical paradigms for psychosocial dysfunctions in family systems. In-depth discussion of symtoms, including dynamics of alcoholism and drug abuse; eating disorders; psychosomatic disorders; psychosis; AIDS; violence and abuse; depression; and the injured self relationship. Examination of these syndromes in family, culture and gender contexts. Evaluation of appropriate personal and systemic therapeutic interventions.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8519: Seminar in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
The etiology, symptomatology, assessment, and treatment of child and adolescent psychopathology. The matrix of factors (i.e., constitutional, environmental, cultural) that may lead to the derailment of child's/adolescent's progressive maturational trajectory. Preventative and therapeutic approaches that provide an overall environment responsive to the maturational needs of children/adolescents with varying clinical disorders.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8520: Seminar in Psychopathology
In-depth study of the etiology, symptomatology and treatment of schizophrenia. Depression as a symptom and as a psychosis. Special topics, such as shame, guilt, suicide. Primary source readings.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8521: Foundations of Neuropsychology
Brain function correlates in cognition and behavior, basic concepts in neurology and psychology. Examination procedures and diagnostic issues. Specific functions, such as verbal, perceptual, practice, memory concept formation, attention.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8523: Advanced Neuropsychological Assessment
Neuropsychological assessment of the adult.
(4 credits)

CPSY 8524: Clinical Psychopharmacology
Familiarizes students with basic theories of psychopharmacology. Student learns how and when to make medication referrals and for whom. Classes of psychopharmacological agents will be reviewed and their therapeutic actions depicted. Differential therapeutics, medication triggers and contraindications will be emphasized for all classes of drugs and pathologies.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8525: Neuropsychological Assessment of Children and Adolescents
Neuropsychological assessment of the child and adolescent across the following domains will be studied; sensorimotor; attention; memory; language; perceptual; and executive function. Class will utilize lecture, computer instruction materials and demonstration of relevant assessment procedures. A required one hour lab will provide practice with administration, scoring and interpretation of test protocols reviewed in class.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8529: Advanced Assessment and Interventions with Couples and Families
An integrative seminar to facilitate students' synthesizing theory, techniques, assessment, treatment, and professional practice from a systemic perspective.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8615: Seminar: Gender and Culture in Family Systems
In-depth consideration and discussion of gender and cultural influences on family development and family dynamics.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8620: Seminar: History, Philosophy and Models of Family Systems
In-depth examination of original sources of systems thinking. Exploration of history, philosophical premises and treatment considerations of systemic perspectives on individuals, couples and families. Study of systemic approaches in relation to development of psychology and family therapy.
(3 credits)

CPSY 8801: Foundational Assessment and Interventions with Systems
Continued exposure to systems theories, writing and techniques, including Boszormenyi-Nagy. Minimum 50 supervised client-contact at approved site.
(3 credits)

CPSY 9001: Univariate Experimental Design
Design of experiments and related statistical analysis in education and psychology. Analysis of variance for factorial designs, randomized block, hierarchical and split plot factorial designs, as well as the general linear approach to ANOVA.
(3 credits)

CPSY 9080: Practicum in Supervision
Models and methods of professional consultation and supervision in a variety of clinical settings. Topics include role and function of supervision in counseling, the effective supervisor, facilitating professional development in those supervised and accountability. Students critique their own methods of supervision. Field placement may be required.
(3 credits)

CPSY 9095: Supervised Teaching in Counseling and Psychology
Arrangements to take this course must be made six weeks prior to the semester of intended enrollment. Supervised teaching experience in content area under mentorship of an experienced professor. Study of instructional methods. Students must demonstrate competence in the content area to be taught
(3 credits)

CPSY 9871: Praticum in Systemic Approaches I
First-year doctoral course taken concurrently with clinical work, under approved supervision at an appropriate site. Development of clinical skills and working with clients in general and specialized expertise in systemic treatment of individuals, couples and families. Focus on areas of interviewing, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
(3 credits)

CPSY 9872: Praticum in Systemic Approaches II
First-year doctoral course taken concurrently with clinical work, including assessment and treatment with individuals, couples and families, under approved supervision at an appropriate site. The focus is on the use of self as a therapist.
(3 credits)

CPSY 9873: Praticum in Systemic Approaches III
Second-year doctoral course taken concurrently with clinical work. Includes assessment and treatment with couples and families, under approved supervision at an appropriate site. Attention is given to cultural, gender and clinical issues as they emerge in cases.
(1 credit)

CPSY 9874: Praticum in Systemic Approaches IV
Second-year doctoral course taken concurrently with clinical work. Includes assessment and treatment with couples and families, under approved supervision at an appropriate site. Attention is given to cultural, gender and clinical issues as they emerge in cases.
(1 credit)

CPSY 9875: Praticum in Systemic Approaches V
Third-year doctoral course taken concurrently with clinical work. Includes assessment and treatment with couples and families, under approved supervision at an appropriate site. Advanced understanding and planning regarding assessment and treatment of systemic, interpersonal, personal and larger-systems dynamics in cases, with particular emphasis on therapist's theoretical perspective.
(1 credit)

CPSY 9876: Praticum in Systemic Approaches VI
Third-year doctoral course taken concurrently with clinical work. Includes assessment and treatment with couples and families, under approved supervision at an appropriate site. Advanced understanding and planning regarding assessment and treatment of systemic, interpersonal, personal and larger-systems dynamics in cases, with particular emphasis on therapist's theoretical perspective.
(1 credit)

CPSY 9880-9881: Internship in Couple and Family Therapy (Ed.S./M.S.)
A six-credit, two-semester internship seminar in marriage and family therapy. Requires on-site placement in an agency, clinic, or appropriate treatment facility for a minimum of 500 client-contact hours (at least 50 percent with families and couples) under approved supervision.

CPSY 9882-9883: Doctoral Internship in Couple and Family Therapy (Ph.D.)
A two-semester internship seminar in marriage and family therapy. Requires on-site placement in an agency, clinic, or appropriate treatment facility that provides students with supervised experience in family therapy. Placement is approved by the full-time faculty clinical coordinator. The internship should be arranged only after all other curriculum requirements have been satisfied.

CPSY 9985: Introduction to Child and Adolescent Therapy
Individual techniques in childhood psychotherapy used in conjunction with family and community systems therapy. Experience in family therapy and knowledge of child developmental psychology assumed. Exploration of both verbal and nonverbal techniques appropriate for use in early childhood and adolescence.
(3 credits)

CPSY 9991-9999: Dissertation Advisement
Students in the dissertation phase must register continuously for this course until completion of the thesis. Students must maintain contact with their mentor and be involved in the research and writing process.
(12+ credits)