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Masters degrees by coursework

Master of Clinical Family Therapy – Brunswick (HMCLFT)

The course aims to: first, develop the ability to integrate in the therapist-family interface, practise wisdom, theoretical knowledge, the use of self, and involvement with the wider context; and second, to equip participants with the skills to generate new knowledge and evaluate effectiveness.

The aim of the course is to extend the knowledge and skills acquired by clinical workers in their undergraduate education and subsequent work experience so that they can work effectively as family therapists in a wide range of therapy contexts. The clinical master course aims to equip students for careers as clinicians in this field, and it is anticipated that at the end of the course, participants will have:

• developed a sound knowledge of the theoretical bases and practical applications of family therapy
• achieved clinical proficiency in all phases of family therapy with a wide range of family problems
• explored and analysed the network of relationships between their own family experiences, their clinical experiences, and the process and outcome of therapy and the broader environments with which they and families interact and in which therapy takes place
• acquired a basic capacity to evaluate family therapy research and incorporate research findings into clinical practice
• developed basic skills in the critical evaluation of family therapy.

Admission requirements

The two-year Master of Clinical Family Therapy is a training program in family therapy theory and practice. Candidates must have completed their undergraduate studies with at least a B grade or 70% average and should have:

• a four-year degree in a related discipline or a bachelor degree, plus an approved fourth year of study and have at least two years experience working with families as a case manager or as a family counsellor, or
• have completed a three year undergraduate degree in the health and welfare field and have at least three years’ experience working with families as a case manager or as a family counsellor, or
• have completed a Graduate Certificate in Family Sensitive Practice, or equivalent course, and have a three-year degree in a related discipline and have at least two years experience working with families as a case manager or as a family counsellor.

In addition, applicants are required to be currently working in a counselling or therapy role (full-time or part-time) and have an employment description that allows them to counsel families. During the course, students are expected to be working within a counselling or therapy relationship with at least five families at any one time throughout the year.

Applicants are required to have completed the Introductory Workshop in Family Therapy, four-day, continuing education course offered by The Bouverie Centre, or alternative equivalent course from another institution.

Applicants will need to have Working With Children check as required by the Department of Justice.

Course structure

The course runs for six hours (excluding breaks) on a Wednesday in first year and on a Thursday in second year for two 13-week semesters over two years. The course is organised in two segments. The live supervision classes meet for 3.5 hours in first year, and four hours in second year.

Live supervision groups consist of no more than six students in each group. These groups meet concurrently. Theory classes are held in one large group. There are also sessions of theory time devoted to research in family therapy. In total there will be 26 2 or 2.5-hour theory classes in each year.

First year

Second year