Faculty: Graduate School of Health Science This major focuses on the principles and practices of counseling families to support their emotional, psychological, and relational well-being. Students gain skills in family systems theory, therapeutic interventions, communication techniques, conflict resolution, and cultural competence, preparing for careers in family therapy, counseling, social work, and related fields. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand family systems theory and dynamics. - Develop skills in therapeutic interventions and counseling techniques. - Learn effective communication and conflict resolution strategies. - Explore cultural competence and diversity in family counseling. - Analyze ethical considerations and professional standards in family counseling. - Develop critical thinking, empathy, and interpersonal skills. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Family Counseling** - Overview of family counseling principles, family systems theory, and industry trends. 2. **Family Systems Theory** - Understanding family dynamics, roles, and interactions within the family system. 3. **Therapeutic Interventions** - Techniques for conducting individual, couple, and family therapy sessions. 4. **Communication Techniques** - Effective communication strategies for enhancing family relationships and resolving conflicts. 5. **Conflict Resolution** - Methods for managing and resolving conflicts within families and relationships. 6. **Cultural Competence in Family Counseling** - Understanding and addressing cultural diversity and competence in family counseling practices. 7. **Ethical Considerations in Family Counseling** - Professional ethics, confidentiality, and legal considerations in family counseling practice. 8. **Child and Adolescent Counseling** - Specialized techniques for counseling children and adolescents within the family context. 9. **Marriage and Couple Counseling** - Strategies for supporting and strengthening marital and couple relationships. 10. **Internship/Practicum** - Real-world experiences in family counseling settings, such as counseling centers, social service agencies, or community organizations. 11. **Capstone Project** - Comprehensive project applying family counseling skills, such as conducting a family therapy session, developing a conflict resolution plan, or creating a cultural competence training program. **Assessment Methods:** - Family systems theory analyses, therapeutic intervention plans, communication techniques demonstrations, conflict resolution case studies, cultural competence projects, ethical considerations essays, child and adolescent counseling strategies, marriage and couple counseling plans, internship reports, capstone projects, group projects, and presentations. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Introduction to Family Counseling" by various authors. - "Family Systems Theory" by various authors. - "Therapeutic Interventions" by various authors. - "Communication Techniques" by various authors. - "Conflict Resolution" by various authors. - "Cultural Competence in Family Counseling" by various authors. - "Ethical Considerations in Family Counseling" by various authors. - "Child and Adolescent Counseling" by various authors. - "Marriage and Couple Counseling" by various authors. **Prerequisites:** Basic knowledge of psychology, human development, and an interest in family dynamics and counseling. **Major Duration:** Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree or 2 years for a master's degree in Family Counseling. **Certification:** Graduates may pursue certifications from professional organizations such as the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), or equivalent family counseling certifications. **Target Audience:** Aspiring family therapists, counselors, social workers, marriage and family counselors, and professionals seeking careers in counseling centers, social service agencies, community organizations, schools, and related fields. This major equips students with the therapeutic and interpersonal skills needed to excel in family counseling, supporting careers in various roles within counseling, social work, and related fields.