Couples and Family Therapy

Christie Eppler, PhD, LMFT, Director

The Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy (MACFT) program trains systemic therapists. The program prepares graduates to become licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs). Under the guidance of clinicians who are state approved and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) approved supervisors, students assess, diagnose, consult, and treat relationships and individuals. Students engage in self-reflection, or person-of-the-therapist exploration to understand themselves as providers. Graduates help heal and empower clients from diverse intersecting social locations (e.g., ethnicities, gender identities, and faith traditions).

Students demonstrate knowledge and skills related to culturally attuned therapy, family therapy theories, professional ethics, research, and evidenced-based practice. In the second year of the program, students begin a 12-month internship where they partner with an approved clinical site to provide therapy. Students must accrue 400 clinical hours, including 200 relational hours, or therapy with couples, partnerships, families, and kin networks. Students are at their clinical site 14-18 hours per week for face-to-face client contact, supervision, and other clinical work.

Admission Requirements

Admission is selective. Strong applications will articulate knowledge of the profession, experience that indicates an understanding of the benefits and challenges of being in the helping profession, and the ability to provide anti-racist and culturally attuned therapy.

See Graduate Admissions Programs for admission materials.

Transfer Credit

Accepted students may petition to transfer up to 10 graduate credits from a regionally accredited institution. Previous work must reflect a systemic therapy orientation. These credits are evaluated by the Program Director after admission acceptance. All work toward a degree from Seattle University must be completed within six years. This time limit includes transfer credit.

Programs

Graduate Major

Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy