Student Roles and Responsibilities for the Master of Counseling Marriage, Family and Child Therapy Specialty

HCS 500

Introduction to Graduate Studies

Instructor:  Mark A. Nichols

 Student Roles and Responsibilities for the Masters of Counseling

Marriage, Family and Child Therapy Specialty

      The student roles and responsibilities of the Masters of Counseling in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy (MC\MFCT) at the University of Phoenix are to advance competent and ethical practitioners in family, couple and individual therapy in a variety of settings.  By following the program's defined curriculum for professional role development, the successful graduate will be able to provide counseling services "in accordance with the highest ethical and professional standards" (Master of Counseling - Program Handbook, p. 7).

      To achieve this end, the student must adopt and synthesize the professional and ethical standards of the program into his own academic and personal development.  He must develop and demonstrate a  broad base of theoretical knowledge and therapeutic skills combined with his own ethical judgment and counseling expertise.  The student is responsible for maintaining a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better to indicate a foundation of behavioral and social sciences, developmental theories as well as  principles and practices for planning, initiating and evaluating therapeutic roles. In addition, a GPA of 3.0 or better must be maintained in all clinical courses to display excellence in standards and competence as a counseling professional.  Failure to maintain the expected grading requirement will result in academic probation.

      In addition to the above criteria, the student must demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, group participation, interpersonal skills, analysis and problem solving skills, counseling skills, and professional development specific to the program objectives.  These areas are addressed and evaluated in three portfolio review courses, each of which is pass/fail. The student's leadership, interpersonal skills, self-direction, self-awareness and personal growth should reflect the program's philosophical and ethical principles to ensure his development as a competent professional. (University of Phoenix Handbook, 1996). 

      Ethical standards and the responsibility of protecting the rights of clients must follow the AAMFT Code of Ethics and be reflected in the student's own actions and belief system. (University of Phoenix Handbook, 1995). Students are to maintain client confidentiality, and understand that    clinical data should only be used to aid in the learning process. Students must develop and maintain appropriate confidentiality in creating, storing, and disposing of records as well as in written or communicated information to others (HCS500, Ethical Standards, 1988).

      Summary

The U of P MC\MFCT roles and responsibilities are to promote excellence in ethical standards and professional development within the MC\MFCT graduate.  They are trained in providing couple family and individual assessment and counseling with diverse populations.  They are trained in family systems, consultation, research and intervention services to advance profession of the marriage, family and child therapy specialty.

 References

Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (4th ed.). (1995). Washington,          DC. American Psychological Association.

HCS 500 Introduction to Graduate Studies (1996)  Ethical Standards(1988, March) [pp. 1-4].

University of Phoenix (1995). Program handbook. Master of Counseling: UMBX, p. 2-38.