Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy (PMFT) Introduction

The Ph.D. in MFT is an advanced course of the MA in Marriage and Family Therapy. The program is grounded in a Christian worldview that presents a holistic perspective of human nature including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of maturation. The approach focuses on the strengths and the resiliency of family systems and communal resources to restore and build healthy family relationships. Systemic philosophy and models provide the basis for a therapeutic approach to mental health and relational restoration. Values of creativity, respect, compassion, excellence, and accountability are promoted. Effective learning and preparation for professional service are believed to occur in an academic community of trust that practices justice, peace and human dignity.... [-]

Mission Statement

The mission of the doctoral program in Counseling Psychology is to prepare counseling psychologists who are trained in evidence-based psychological services and research methods, are sensitive to individual, social, and cultural differences, are advocates for mental health and personal growth throughout the lifespan, and are competent to practice in healthcare systems and in academia.

Scientist-Practitioner Model of Training

The doctoral program in Counseling Psychology at the University of Central Arkansas provides graduate education in the scientific practice of psychology and in counseling psychology as a professional specialization. The program of study is grounded in the scientist‑practitioner model for training psychologists that stresses training in both research methods and professional practice. This model affirms the idea that practice and research should reciprocally influence and strengthen one another and are thus complementary components of graduate psychology education. The role of scientist-practitioner is to be (1) a consumer and practitioner of evidence-based clinical practices, (2) an evaluator of professional actions and, (3) a researcher who produces new data and who reports these findings to the professional community. The scientist-practitioner model was developed at the Boulder Conference on clinical psychology in 1949 and subsequently accepted in 1954 by the Society of Counseling Psychology (Division 17) of the American Psychological Association (APA).... [-]

MARRIAGE & FAMILY THERAPY

The programme is ideal for mid-career professionals who have academic backgrounds in marriage and family therapy along with considerable clinical practice experience. Many degree candidates are seasoned clinicians with successful histories of marriage and family therapy practice. A doctoral degree is relevant for marriage and family professionals whose career paths have led them to leadership roles in organizational management, higher education, coaching, public policy, and consulting. Each programme is dedicated to maintaining a standard of excellence while understanding the needs of adult learners who are busy professionals.

Candidates interact with faculty and staff in a rich, supportive learning community. Degree candidates will study with scholars and professionals from other universities, non-profit organizations, public agencies, local government, international organizations, school systems, private clinical practice, and health care delivery systems. Studies are tailored to the specific learning needs of each individual.... [-]

Philosophy

The primary mission of the educational programmes in Christian Counselling and Spiritual Direction coursework is:

To develop competent, critical reviewers and well-informed researchers, professors, and clinicians; To enhance and promote a comprehensive basis for teaching, researching and practicing Christian Counselling and Spiritual Direction; To promote systems that respect the diversity of client populations as well as approaches to research, teaching and clinical practice; To advance the body of academic literature within the field through the promotion of research outcomes and analysis, research and clinical ethics, teaching and clinical effectiveness, special populations, evidence-based practice, and mental health concerns; To inculcate excellence and critical thinking within the field. Outcomes ... [-]