MCFT 572 - Basic Skills of Therapy for CFTs

3
Through this course, students will gain foundational assessment and intervention skills with couples, families, and individuals. The course addresses intake interviewing, introduction of the mental status exam, risk assessment, and overview of the DSM-5 approach to diagnosis. It also addresses basic counseling skills, the therapeutic relationship, common factors in psychotherapy, basics of theoretical views on human change processes, and multicultural competencies. Students learn about informed consent, confidentiality, and the importance of clinical documentation including the ability to compose cogent assessment reports and treatment plans. While basic skills are not model-specific, students are exposed to one theoretical model to show how a model is employed to gather data, develop hypotheses, plan treatment, and intervene in helping clients meet their treatment goals.