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Whit Fraser Institute for Marriage and Family Studies

The Certificate Program in Marriage and Family Studies

The "Whit Fraser Institute for Marriage and Family Studies" is a new division of The Fraser Center. It is dedicated to training therapists, pastoral counselors, chaplains and others who are interested in furthering their education on a graduate level in the areas of marriage and family studies. The courses offered will focus on the systemic nature of marriage and family therapy and time-tested and current methods, techniques and approaches involved in providing effective marriage and family therapy.

It is a yearlong, intensive experience where students learn current ways of conceptualizing family problems and helping family members improve their lives from a family systems approach to helping others. The certificate program consists of four courses meeting on a weekly basis requiring 45 clock hours of instruction per course to complete the program. The program begins each August, although students may enroll at any time during the year unless otherwise indicated.

Coursework

  • Introduction to Family Systems Therapy
  • Family Life Course Development
  • Basic Techniques in Family Therapy Practice *
  • Professional Ethics in Family Therapy Practice
  • Advanced Clinical Practice in Marriage & Family Therapy **

* this class requires Introduction to FST as a pre-requisite

** optional only for clinicians seeking further training - not required for certificate

Course outlines and required readings are made available to the student upon admission to the certificate program.

Requirements

  • Baccalaureate degree for the awarding of the Certificate in Marriage and Family Studies

OR

  • Master's degree in counseling, social work, ministry, or a related field and a supervised practicum experience for application of the coursework in Marriage and Family Studies toward MFT licensure in the State of Georgia.

Licensure Tract

All courses are approved by the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists. As such, they constitute the core courses necessary for licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Georgia. The Institute will also be offering a practicum and individual American Association of Marriage and Family Therapist approved clinical supervision of marriage and family therapy.

For more information, contact

R. Blaine Everson, Ph.D., LMFT Training Coordinator

(912) 369-7777

beverson@frasercenter.com