MFT-6951 - MFT Practicum I

Semester Credits: 3 Weeks: 12

This course provides students with an opportunity to engage in ongoing therapeutic practice. Emphasis is placed on the development of therapy and assessment skills, theoretical integration, and personal growth. Students will complete a portion of their required 500 client contact hours (half of which must be with couples and/or families). They will also complete a portion of their required 100 hours of supervision (51 of which must be individual supervision with no more than two supervisees in attendance; the 100 hours of required supervision must also include a minimum of 50 hours of supervision utilizing observable data). Inclusive of the practicum and internship courses, students are required to receive a minimum 50 hours of supervision based on direct observation, videotape or audiotape. The accumulation of clinical and supervision hours are tracked in an NCU-approved tracking system and approved by the local clinical supervisor and the Northcentral University Clinical Faculty Supervisor. The local clinical supervisor will provide weekly individual supervision of the student and assist the student in managing cases. The Northcentral Faculty Supervisor will maintain regular contact with student and local clinical supervisor and will facilitate the process of learning and knowledge integration. Additionally, students are required to participate in weekly online group practicum sessions with the Northcentral Faculty Supervisor. Each MFT Practicum and Internship course lasts 12 weeks and must be taken consecutively. Students are required to be clinically active for the duration of that time. It is expected that students will accrue at least 100 client contact hours during each of the two practicum courses. To meet this requirement students should plan to complete a minimum of 10 direct (face-to-face) client contact hours per week. Additional time will be needed each week in order to complete paperwork, set appointments, read relevant material, and complete course assignments. Direct services can include intake interviews, assessment, and therapy for individuals, groups, couples and/or families. Half of all client contact hours (i.e., 50 hours per Practicum and 250 hours for the whole clinical experience) must be relational (couple or family). (Student Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4)