About MFT

The MFT program offers a multidisciplinary, inclusive curriculum based on developmental, psychodynamic and family systems theories and practice. Integrated throughout its curriculum is a commitment to understanding the lived experience of both clients and practitioner, the power of culture, oppression and society on the developmental process, and the impact of one's social political context on the developing mind and behavior.

The MFT department's emphasis on intrapersonal, interpersonal, family and institutional issues provides a holistic approach to understanding the theory and practice of marriage family and child therapy. The program at Pacific Oaks respects the unique learning styles of the individual and practices a relational model of learning that is dynamic, engaging, respectful and transformational. Faculty and students are partners in the learning community. Students are expected and mentored towards critically examining their own attitudes, beliefs and values to become clinically skilled and culturally competent therapists.

Please note that although the M.A. degree is in Marriage, Family, Child Counseling, the clinical training and the professional license is in Marriage and Family Therapy.

The MFT Department oversees three M.A. programs in Marriage and Family Therapy. The Self-Paced Program allows the student to work at her/his own pace, taking the number of classes that fit into her/his schedule. The Latina/Latino Family Studies Specialization is a cohort, a "Comadre/Compadre" group that meets one weekend a month and takes all courses together as a learning community. The third program, African American Family Studies Specialization, continues the same cohort deliver mode. It is based on the UJIMA model, To build and maintain our community together, make our sisters' and brothers' problems our own, and to solve them together.