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Marriage and family therapy is a recognized mental health discipline specializing in working with children, adolescents, and adults, either individually or together, within the context of systems theories. Unlike other mental health disciplines where you may take one or two classes in how to work holistically and relationally with clients, the entire program focuses the training and education to work within this paradigm. Individuals who complete the academic and clinical requirements earn a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy.
During the program you will be eligible to apply for a training license to practice therapy, and with additional post-degree hours of supervised work experience you can apply for full licensure as a marriage and family therapist. This degree specifically provides graduates with expertise in working with individuals, couples, and families. Additionally, this training also provides excellent preparation for other forms of clinical and administrative work in social and human service agencies.
Learn more about our Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Edgewood College. Program Director and Associate Dean, Debra Polacek, LMFT will talk about details of the program and the field of Marriage and Family Therapy. There will be a chance for attendees to ask questions about program, courses, cost, how to apply, and more.
In so many ways the MFT program at Edgewood College embodies the values of the Dominican mission: truth, justice, compassion, partnership, community. Our pursuit to provide education and training based on scholarship and evidence based practice is grounded in the mission of truth. In striving for justice we train our graduates to appreciate, work with, and empower disenfranchised populations. Through the clinical work at our Family Therapy Center we partner with and support other agencies by providing compassionate therapeutic services to those who would otherwise not have access in and around the greater Madison community.
Study without sacrificing your work and home life.
Our classes are held in the evenings year around. Our program offers full-time and part-time class schedules; talk with your advisor about which schedule might work for you and your family. Most students complete the program in two years.
Be part of a unique learning community.
In our cohort-based program, you will have the opportunity to work in a team setting. New cohorts begin each Fall semester. Enrollment is limited to allow for small class size and individual attention.
Learn from exceptional faculty.
All MFT faculty members have extensive clinical experience in their subject area, and maintain active clinical work in addition to their teaching. This provides students of the program excellent training and instruction by faculty with hands-on, real-world experience in their respective fields. Several of the faculty are nationally recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field and their patients.
Participate in advanced clinical training and internships.
The program includes a 12-month internship where you will work with a variety of individuals, couples and families from the community. In Madison, Edgewood College also operates The Family Center, which provides students with a venue to meet their required clinical hours providing low-cost, high-quality, supportive therapy for individuals, couples and families.
Qualify for licensure
Obtaining your MS-MFT degree at Edgewood College qualifies you to apply for licensure in Wisconsin. Learn more about the requirements and process to receive a license as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Wisconsin. If you are planning to apply for licensure outside of Wisconsin, we can assist you in that process and answer questions you might have about how your Edgewood College MFT degree and internship experience would meet license requirements in other states.
The Family Center
The Family Center is a community based, affordable outpatient mental health clinic and the training center for Edgewood College's Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program. Our mission is to support the growth, transformation, and overall wellness of our clients, staff, and the community within which we serve.
To receive the Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, students must have:
All courses carry 3 graduate credits. Also an Independent Study course is available if needed and should be arranged with the Director of the Program.
MFT 600 - Foundations of Systemic Practice
MFT 605 - MFT Theories & Models
MFT 610 - Clinical Treatment: Families/Groups
MFT 620 - Diverse/Multicultural Communities
MFT 625 - Clinical Treatment: Couples
MFT 630 - Mental Health Diagnosis & Treatment
MFT 635 - Systemic/Relational Assessment
MFT 700 - Research & Evaluation
MFT 725 - Relational Practicum
MFT 735 - Lifespan Development
MFT 740 - Clinical Treatment: Child/Adolescent
MFT 745 - Contemporary Issues & Collaboration
MFT 750 - Clinical Internship I
MFT 760 - Clinical Internship II
MFT 770 - Clinical Internship III
MFT 780 - Clinical Internship IV, if needed
MFT 800 - Ethics, Law & Social Responsibility
Attending graduate school is one of the best investments you will ever make in yourself and your future. While the benefits related to personal development and growth are priceless, you can also expect your MS-MFT degree to expand your career options and enhance your earning power in the marketplace.
The job outlook for Marriage and Family Therapists is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the occupation will grow by 15% by 2024, faster than the average for all occupations. Learn more.
Remember, completing your MS-MFT degree is an investment in yourself and your career. Be sure to consider not only the total cost of your education, but think about how that total breaks down in terms of monthly costs, which can make your investment feel more manageable and affordable.
Graduate tuition for the 2022-23 year is $1072 per credit (effective Summer 2022).
Most MFT students are working professionals who take courses part-time. 48 total credits are required to complete the degree.
Graduate students are eligible for financial aid in the form of Federal Stafford Loans. Learn more about Stafford Loans, including eligibility requirements and application instructions.
Our admissions and financial aid counselors have worked with thousands of students who have questioned how they could afford to complete their graduate education. They will use their experience to suggest creative solutions for financing your education. We work with students and organizations to manage tuition reimbursement plans, extend tuition discounts to various corporate partners in the region, offer third party billing and monthly payment plans, and work with veterans to maximize their available aid.
Two small scholarships are available to students to help offset Program fees and books. They are awarded based on financial need and merit. Students are eligible to apply during their 2nd semester in the program.
Students must attend to the following requirements:
Submit the letter and essay to the Program Director by February 15th.
A committee made up of Edgewood faculty and staff will review the applications. The scholarship recipients for the upcoming academic year will be announced the beginning of April and then the funds will be disbursed during the subsequent Fall and Spring semesters. Please note: The only effect Departmental nominated scholarships may have for the student is in reducing a student’s loan indebtedness.
The Marriage and Family Therapy Program begins the fall (August) of each academic year. It is a highly-competitive cohort-based graduate program with rolling admissions opening September 1st for the next year’s Fall cohort. Applicants are strongly advised to apply early as applications are reviewed and spots are filled throughout the year.
An Orientation Day for new students will be held in August.
Transfer Credits
You may submit up to 12 semester hours of graduate credit for consideration of transfer to Edgewood College for application to a degree program. Approval of the respective department is required. To be considered for application to a degree program, a course must have been taken within the past five years. For more information about transfer credits, please contact your admissions counselor.
After acceptance into the program, each student is required to complete a caregiver background check through the DOJ website and provide a scanned copy of the results to the Program Administrator preferably before attending your first course, yet no later than the end of the student’s first semester of courses. If a background check is not received by this deadline, further participation in the program may be limited.
Education:
B.S. in Psychology, M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy, Edgewood College
Credential:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Certifications/Memberships Held:
AAMFT Approved Supervisor, AAMFT Clinical Fellow, APA Associate, AFTA, and Prepare/Enrich trainer & facilitator
Specialty Interests:
Private Practice, Relationship Therapy, Urgent Care Work, and Single-Session Therapy Approaches
Misc. Interests:
Creating art (sketching, painting), listening to and making music (guitar), gardening, crocheting/knitting, and gaming with family and friends
Education:
BS in Social Work, Minor in Psychology University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, MS in Counseling, Option in School Based Family Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy
Credentials:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Child Welfare and Attendance Credential, AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate
Memberships:
AAMFT
Specialty Interests:
Suicide Prevention and Awareness, Domestic Violence, Formerly Incarcerated, Mindfulness, Women's Issues, Parenting, Adolescents, and LGBTQ Allied
Misc. Interests:
Hiking, walking my dog, yoga, cooking, and golfing
Education:
BA Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana; Ph.D. Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
Credential:
Licensed Psychologist No. 0465
Certifications/Memberships Held:
National Register Listed, American Psychological Association, Wisconsin Psychological Association
Specialty Interests:
Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy, Anxiety, Stress, Trauma, Medical Issues, Pain, Mind-Body Issues, Mindfulness, Experiential Methods
Misc. Interests:
Running, storytelling, photography, and my two dogs
Education:
BA in Conservation Biology, UW-Madison; MA in Professional Counseling, Lakeland College
Credential:
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Certifications/Memberships Held:
Professional Membership in American Counseling Association (ACA)
Specialty Interests:
Private Practice for 6 years working with individuals and couples; focus on anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, career transition.
Misc. Interests:
My 3-YO labradoodle, Bailey; really yummy food; really strong coffee; playing piano; listening to books on Audible; morning yoga; travel.
Education:
BA in Zoology/Environmental Studies, UW-Madison; Human Resource Management Certificate Program, UW-Platteville; MS in Marriage & Family Therapy, Edgewood College
Credential:
MFT-IT
Certifications/Memberships Held:
Gottman Method Level 1 & 2 Certification, Prepare/Enrich Facilitator, TF-CBT Training Certification, AAMFT Supervisor-IT
Specialty Interests:
Relationship and Sex Therapy, Positive Psychology, Adolescent and Life Transitions
Misc. Interests:
Houseplants and gardening, board games, reading, cooking, yoga, caring for pets, nature walks
Education:
B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from UW-Madison, M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy, Edgewood College
Credential:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Certifications/Memberships Held:
Latino Professionals Association
Specialty Interests:
Trauma informed. Cultural and Systemic Oppression. Adoption competency. Substance Use Disorders. Infant mental health. Couple and Families. Adolescent issues. Brainspotting. EMDR. TF-CBT.
Misc. Interests:
Enjoy quality time with family and traveling with friends. Spending time with my dachshund and reading at home.
Education:
BA in Psychology and BS in Organizational Leadership, minor in Theology from Biola University, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Los Angeles
Specialty Interests:
Cultural/Ethic Issues, End of Life Issues, Parenting, Formerly Incarcerated, Couples, Industrial Psychology
Misc. Interests:
Hiking, spending time outdoors, music, learning, and classic vehicles
Education:
BA in Biology, MS in Marriage and Family Therapy, with specialties in addiction, infant mental health, parent/child attachment, marriage counseling, trauma-informed practices, and cultural interventions
Credential:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Specialty Interests:
Owner and founder of Anesis Family Therapy, which was established in January 2016 and currently serves over 200 clients, employs 23 staff members and provides services in English, Spanish, Hmong, and Cambodian. Anesis Therapy is one of the most diverse clinics in Dane County and is rooted in systems therapy.
In 2017 Myra was featured as an M List recipient as a Health Innovator by Madison Magazine.
Misc. Interests:
Listening to music, hiking and being outdoors by water, spending time with my kids and being silly
Education:
BS in Psychology/Women's Studies/Theater from UW Green Bay 1996, MS Marriage and Family Therapy Edgewood College 2004
Credential:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Certifications/Memberships Held:
Certified Yoga Therapist with International Association of Yoga Therapists
Specialty Interests:
Stress Management, Trauma, Movement and Yoga Therapy to treat mental health issues
Misc. Interests:
Fostering animals with DCHS, canning, gardening, movement, yoga, sports
Education:
B.S. Northern Michigan University, Psychology Graduate Prep; M.S., Edgewood College, Marriage and Family Therapy
Credential:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Certifications/Memberships Held:
AAMFT Approved Supervisor, Board-Certified Telehealth Professional, Client Rights Specialist through the State of Wisconsin, BLS Advisor through American Heart Association
Specialty Interests:
MFTs in Healthcare Delivery Systems, Humor in Care, Self of the Therapist, Outreach and Advocacy, Technology and Healthcare (i.e., Social Media Platforms, Blogging, Podcasting, EHR).
Misc. Interests:
Podcasting, Visual Journaling, Succulents, Platformers/Gaming, European Power Metal, and Poetry
Education:
Associates in Liberal Studies, Undergraduate from Edgewood College in Psychology, Masters from Edgewood College in Marriage and Family Therapy
Credential:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AAMFT Approved Supervisor
Specialty Interests:
Systems, Couples Therapy, Adolescent Therapy, Therapy for suicidal adolescents and individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Experiential Therapy, Structural Therapy, Strategic Therapy, Mindfulness, Neuro-Linguistic Programming
Misc. Interests:
Photography, rock climbing, music, astrophysics, particle physics, ecology, natural sciences (especially entomology and herpetology), parenthood, engineering, economics, technological advances, computer science, science fiction, fantasy fiction, eastern philosophy (Taoism and Buddhism primarily)
Education:
BS in Family Social Sciences, Focus in Psychology, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, MS Marriage and Family Therapy, Edgewood College
Credential:
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, AAMFT Approved Supervisor Candidate
Certifications/Memberships Held:
AAMFT Preclinical Fellow
Specialty Interests:
Narrative Therapy, Couples Therapy, Personality Disorders, and Supervision
Misc. Interests:
Theater, spending time with my children, and reading
EC’s Master of Science degree in MFT is a 48-credit program of
study. Included is a 12-month internship with a minimum of 500 clinical
hours (300 direct and 200 ancillary) with individuals, couples, and families
plus 100 hours of relational/ systemic supervision. Students work with a
variety of clients from the community, including families experiencing multiple
systemic challenges.
The program’s basic orientation is the “General Systems”
paradigm within which students are exposed to the structural, strategic, and
systemic approaches, in addition to the other major modalities of the
discipline. Trainees are encouraged to select and specialize in an
approach that best fits their own clinical style.
The program emphasizes a broad blend of theoretical and
therapeutic approaches, with a primary goal of clinical excellence in training
in the field of marriage and family therapy. The program is based on
national and state standards for course and clinical content and will prepare
students to apply for credentialing in Wisconsin as licensed marriage and
family therapists.
With its roots in the mission and identity statements of EC, the master’s degree program in MFT is designed to advance professional competency in the field in a manner that fosters clinical proficiency, ethical sensitivity, respect for diversity, and dedication to service to the people in our communities.
Our program goals include areas of knowledge, practice, diversity, research, and ethics competencies:
Developmental Competency: Knowledge of the profession
SLO 1: Students will develop a strong foundational level of professional competence in the conduct of systemically-orientated Marriage and Family Therapy, and use systems/relational theories to guide practice and service delivery across interpersonal, family, organizational, and/or community contexts.
Program Outcome: Benchmark competency in case presentations MFT 750/760
Developmental Competency: Research and evidence-based practice.
SLO 2: Students will learn to be critical consumers of research. Through learning the principles of evidence-based practice, students will understand how to apply the best research evidence available to their own practice setting.
Program Outcome: Literature Review, score of B or better.
Developmental Competency: Professional identity, ethics, and law
SLO 3: Students will demonstrate an understanding of legal and ethical standards and apply them in the professional practice of Marriage and Family Therapy and maintain legal and ethical practices in their clinical internship. Students will establish and demonstrate a professional identity as a marriage and family therapist.
Program Outcome: Ethical Decision-Making Process Paper, Score of B or better
Developmental Competency: Human diversity and social structures
SLO 4: Students will incorporate cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity across contextual issues such as race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic status, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.
Program Outcome: Cultural Exposure Project/Paper, Score of B or better
Developmental Competency: Practice of therapy
SLO 5: Students will apply a systemic, integrative and empirically informed approach to their clinical practice as Marriage and Family therapists, and demonstrate the ability to analyze and present a clinical case using one of the major MFT models.
Program Outcome: Comparative Analysis Paper, Score of B or better.