64B4-22.110. Course Content

The course requirements set forth in section 491.005(3), F.S., shall contain the following content:

(1) Dynamics of Marriage and Family Systems. This course introduces the student to systemic knowledge and thought, focusing on the development of marriage and family therapy (MFT) as a profession and on the interactive dynamics of the living social systems of marriage and family as explained by a number of the tenets of General Systems Theory.

(2)(a) Marriage Therapy and Counseling Theory and Techniques,

(b) Family Therapy and Counseling Theory and Techniques. Content in these two areas may be taught separately as stated or they may be taught as a course in theories and a course in techniques. A course in theories will compare and contrast the major theoretical models in systemic marriage and family therapy which seek to explain both normal and abnormal, or dysfunctional marriage and family functioning. A course in techniques will use the different theoretical understandings to develop interventive skills useful in the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic families, couples and individuals.

(3) Individual Human Development Theories Throughout the Life Cycle. This course covers theories of human development in all stages of life both for the individual and for the systems in which the individual lives.

(4) Psychopathology. This course prepares the student in the evaluation and classification of abnormal human behavior and psychiatric disorders in individuals according to current diagnostic standards.

(5) Human Sexuality Theory and Counseling Techniques. This course provides a broad understanding of human sexual development, both normal and abnormal sexual functioning and appropriate counseling techniques for sexual dysfunctions.

(6) General Counseling Theories and Counseling Techniques. This course content teaches those theories and fundamentals of counseling which are applicable to all counseling processes whether they are individually or systemically oriented.

(7) Psychosocial Theories. Course content in this area explores the interrelationship of psychology and sociology in understanding the growth and development of living human systems within their larger, social systems context. Courses in family sociology, gender, anthropology or culture and ethnicity in counseling offer psychosocial awareness.

(8) Legal, Ethical and Professional Standards. This course presents standards of law and ethics as it relates to the practice of all counseling professions. Particular issues of law and ethics which uniquely impact the practice of MFT should also be addressed.

(9) Diagnosis, Appraisal, Assessment and Testing. This course content teaches a working knowledge of inferential statistics and the use and application of tests and measurements used in the diagnosis and appraisal of intra- and inter-personal disorders and dysfunctions.

(10) Behavioral Research. This course content teaches the student to be an informed consumer of professional research. The focus is on interpretation of research data and their appropriate application to professional practice. Knowledge of inferential statistics is necessary in this interpretative process.

(11) A minimum of 400 hours Supervised Clinical Practicum, internship, or field experience completed within a minimum of 12 months within a Marriage and Family Setting. The experience shall include at least 300 hours of direct client services of which a minimum of 200 hours must be relational. It is important to emphasize that the student practicum must be supervised by a licensed MFT or equivalent as defined in Rule 64B4-21.007, F.A.C., and must be certified complete by an official of the college or university granting the degree.

(12) Substance Abuse. This course includes research and theories of substance use and abuse; principles and practices for the treatment of substance abuse and addiction; and the promotion of responsible behavior.

Rulemaking Authority 491.004(5) FS. Law Implemented 491.005(3) FS. History–New 8-20-92, Amended 1-27-93, Formerly 21CC-22.110, Amended 2-22-94, Formerly 61F4-22.110, 59P-22.110, Amended 10-15-02, 1-24-08, 9-2-21.