The MCFC track is designed to develop student’s ability to conceptualize and intervene with clients from a systemic perspective. Students will study models of family therapy grounded in general systems theory, communication theory, and postmodern models. They will also explore treatment interventions committed to social justice, which optimize systemic functioning and wellness. Particular consideration is given to the development of the individual counselor and their ability to effectively work within the complexity of family systems.

The MCFC track is a 60-hour program that prepares students to work in community mental health, private practice, and other settings as marriage and family counselors. Graduates will have all the courses necessary for licensure as an LPC in the state of Louisiana and will also have all the courses required should they be interested in further pursuing MFT licensure (although it is not required to work with couples and families).

Courses at Loyola are kept small to promote an effective learning environment. The MCFC track course sequence builds upon the 16 core courses with four courses solely devoted to developing student ability to work within a systemic context. In each of these courses the instructor will aim to foster student’s ability to work within the systemic context of their clients lives, gain self-awareness, and prepare them for clinical practice in a culturally relevant manner.

View degree requirements in the Graduate Bulletin

Course Examples

Introduction to Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy

Offers an introduction to General Systems theory, communication theories, and postmodern models

Family Systems

Marriage and Couples Counseling

Introduces theoretical models of couple counseling and prepares students to begin working with the unique challenges of the couple dynamic

Child-Parent Relational Therapy

Train students to work as CPRT counselors with the aim of helping parents provide therapeutic engagements with their children