The Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy Studies

• Recognizes completion of 3 core and 3 elective courses within a 5 year period
• Students are welcome to register and complete any of the new elective courses offered yearly
• All courses offered fit one of the five (5) AAMFT categories for educational Development: Studies, Therapy, Human Development, Professional Ethics, Research,
• Certificate applicants must hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Students must achieve a passing grade of 70% in all courses to earn the certificate
• Up to 2 courses may be taken outside of the Certificate Program for consideration for credit transfers
• Completion of the OAMFT/University of Guelph Certificate does not imply clinical competence, nor does it ensure acceptance as a Clinical Member of the AAMFT.  
• Completion of these Open Learning courses does not imply acceptance or course equivalency in the graduate program in Couple and Family Therapy offered by the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph.
• Students and Members are also welcome to participate in any of the other related therapy courses available through the Office of Open Learning.

About the courses...

Courses in the Certificate in Couple and Family Therapy Studies cover the theory, concepts, and approaches of couple and family therapy practice.

These courses introduce the major theories and central concepts that form the foundations of couple, family, and marriage therapy. They focus on the historical development of systemic therapy and introduce several models of therapy, such as: Cognitive-Behavioural, Experiential, Bowenian, Contextual, Structural, Strategic and many other models. A comparative analysis of the various models assists students in placing the various therapy tools into an integrated framework.

These are interactive courses that use a variety of teaching and learning processes, including: exercises, role-plays, assignments, research papers, group work, and discussion, in order to effectively translate theories into practical methods for contemporary therapists. Participants should anticipate that many discussions and interactive methods will require reflection and sharing from personal experience with class members and the instructor.

These courses alone do not qualify one to become a couple and family therapist. It is strongly recommended that participants engage in their own program of clinical practice and supervision. Visit the OAMFT website for information about clinical supervision and clinical internship programs.

• All courses include 39 contact hours and meet the AAMFT’s requirements
• Classes are typically held over a series of five full days (8 hours a day)
• All courses are taught at the graduate level and students must earn 70% in each course to earn the certificate
• Course formats typically include lecture, class discussion, small group work, role plays, and video material
• Course evaluation typically includes two or three assignments for grading and a final assignment.  These could include class presentations, case briefs and research papers.  
• Proper writing and referencing style is expected for all assignments. APA is the recommended style guide to use
• All courses have a required textbook and may also include a course binder and/or readings
• Course binder costs are added to the registration fee and are mandatory
• Pre-reading requirements will be confirmed upon registration and, where applicable, materials will be made available in advance of the first class.
• Attendance is expected to all the scheduled classes.  If you anticipate missing greater than 10% of class contact time, (3.5 hours) it is expected that you will make arrangements with the instructor to confirm how you intend to cover the missed material
• All instructors are AAMFT Clinical Members and /or Approved Supervisors with significant agency and/or private practice experience.

Textbooks

Required textbooks will be listed on the course outline and can be found on the Current Offerings page. All recommended textbooks can be purchased form the University of Guelph book store or ordered online through the University of Guelph Bookstore. Click on "Textbooks" and scroll down to "Couple and Family Therapy Studies" Select your course (coding will be on the course outline) and follow the payment instructions or confirmation letter.

Library Access

A library card is issued and access is granted upon course start date. Most university libraries, including the University of Guelph’s, provide open access to books and journals for in-library use and sign out. You may have alumni privileges through your alma mater university for borrowing.

English Proficiency

The Certificate courses are facilitated in English. In order to understand fully the course materials and increase your chance of success, we strongly suggest that you have an English proficiency equivalent to a score of 89 iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) with no band less than 21 or successful completion of the advanced level of the English Language Certificate Program at the University of Guelph.

Attendance

Attendance is expected at all of the scheduled classes.  A student who does not attend class regularly runs the risk of being unable to complete course requirements. Courses are 5 full days and start at 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily. Courses are usually scheduled on weekdays or over a couple of weekends. 

If you anticipate missing greater than 10% (3.5 hours) of class contact time, it is expected that you will make arrangements with the instructor to confirm how you intend to cover the missed material.

Assignments/grades

Each course will have at least two graded assignments.  Due dates will be communicated by the instructor on the course outline.  In the event that you are unable to meet an established deadline, discuss your situation with the instructor immediately, in advance of the due date, in order to negotiate an alternate deadline and procedures for submission.  The instructor will advise the terms for all assignments, absences, and grading.  Final course grades will be mailed to you by the Office of Open Learning

Parking

All course are taught on the University of Guelph campus in Guelph.  Parking is available on a day basis, or by purchasing a book of passes.  Parking access or parking is enforced Monday – Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.  Parking is free after 5:00 pm and on the weekends. 
Visit:   www.parking.uoguelph.ca