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Philosophical Model

The philosophy of the MFT program at Hofstra is balanced and integrated. Students are exposed to a wide range of therapeutic models, including Structural, Strategic, Experiential, Object Relations, Solution Focused, and Narrative. This broad approach familiarizes ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ not only with the traditional models of family therapy, but also with cutting-edge family therapy theory and practice.

The integration of theory and practice occurs during the two-year internship that ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ begin after the first year of classes. During this time, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ are provided with an intense training experience, both academically and clinically. The internship experience begins at the Hofstra Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic, located in the Saltzman Community Services Center on campus. Third-year ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ are placed outside of the University for their clinical work. These placements are provided and approved by the MFT program, and can occur at hospitals, mental health agencies, and substance abuse treatment agencies. In total, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ spend 900 hours working in clinical settings by the time they graduate.

For ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ who are interested in developing their research skills or having work published, there are opportunities to collaborate with faculty in areas of mutual interest. To date, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ have published papers in professional journals and submitted chapters for faculty books. Students are also strongly encouraged to present to community groups and at national conferences; publications and presentations are particularly important for those intending to continue their education in a doctoral program. Occasionally, stipends may be available to help ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ wishing to attend national and regional conferences.

Other highlights of the program include special workshops and guest speakers. Past speakers have included Carl Whitaker, Harry Aponte, Bill O’Hanlon, Lynn Hoffman, Harville Hendrix, Kenneth Gergen, Virginia Satir, Stephen Lankton, and Karl Tomm.