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Family Therapy Training Institute

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The Family Therapy Training Institute (FTTI) is a premier postgraduate professional school for marriage and family therapists. Since its establishment in 1972, FTTI has provided mental health professionals the advanced skills needed to remain at the forefront of family systems theory.

The Family Therapy Training Institute is accredited by the Commission of Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) – the accrediting body for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Upon completion of this intensive two to three year program, graduates meet the academic requirements for marriage and family therapy licensure (LMFT) and have accumulated at least one half (500) of the required supervised hours (1,000) for licensure. This program is designed to accommodate those working full time.

FTTI promotes clinical excellence through real-world experience alongside exceptional and experienced clinical therapists and supervisors. The training of culturally competent therapists for underserved and minority communities is at the core of FTTI's mission. Tuition assistance is available for select minority students.

As part of Aurora Health Care and Aurora Family Service, the FTTI program provides students with exposure to a wide variety of experiences, while providing critical support to families. FTTI serves the mission of strengthening families and communities both through the counseling provided by trainees and by preparing the next generation of family therapists to serve the needs and challenges of families.

Family Therapy Training Institute training philosophy

The Family Therapy Training Institute emphasizes concepts and interventions that positively affect family relationships within a social context. Training focuses on teaching ways of assessing, diagnosing, understanding and intervening to facilitate change in dysfunctional patterns and to recognize and utilize the strengths of individual, couple, family and societal systems. Training strengthens therapeutic skills through intensive individual and group supervision that enables the therapist to integrate academic materials and clinical experiences into a well defined personal practice style.

Cost

The overall cost of the program is approximately $8,000. Arrangements can be made to pay tuition in monthly installments. Most students are able to maintain full-time employment throughout the program. Professionals currently practicing in the community may audit any FTTI course at a reduced rate.

Eligibility requirements

1. Graduate degree (i.e., master's or doctorate degree in social work, psychology, nursing, pastoral counseling, or related behavioral science field) or medical degree from an accredited institution. Applicants without a "qualifying degree" may be admitted toward achieving a primary mental health degree.
2. Desire and sufficient maturity to engage in family therapy.
3. Capacity for self-awareness and self-reflectiveness.
4. Eligibility for a Marriage and Family Therapy Training License.

In addition to the above requirements, postgraduate clinical experience is recommended.

Graduation requirements

1. 360 class hours in six specified areas of marriage and family therapy studies. Occasional classes may be transferred from former graduate studies.
2. 500 clinical hours* – face to face, direct contact with clients (counted toward licensure if entering Institute with qualifying degree)
3. 100+ hours of individual and group supervision
4. Passage of final competency-based portfolio assessment (presented to faculty in summer of graduation).

*A total of 1,000 hours is required for MFT license.

Family Therapy Training Institute application process

The application process is designed to be a functional, fact-finding exercise to ensure that a proper match is made between the training experience and the trainee's needs. The Family Therapy Training Institute is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in all its training activities and admissions. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, physical handicap or marital status.

1. Complete formal application. Available by calling FTTI or online.
2. Submit a resume, a transcript of graduate studies sent directly from awarding institution, and two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your professional or community volunteer work.
3. Submit non-refundable $50 application fee.
4. Upon receipt of the application materials, the Training Director will write or call to schedule an admission interview. Applicants are welcome to meet with the Director or sit in on classes by arrangement.

Apply online