Training in Couple Therapy

Synonyms

Accreditation; Clinical training; Education; Licensure; Supervision

Introduction

Various entities exercise responsibility for training in couple therapy including graduate programs accredited by the American Psychological Association, the Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, the National Association of Social Workers, and the American Association of Pastoral Counselors – as well as oversight from respective state licensing boards. Not surprisingly, the specific curriculum and supervision requirements of these programs vary widely – often consistent with the philosophical and theoretical traditions of their respective professions – as do licensure requirements including those for continuing education.

This encyclopedia entry argues for three essential elements of training in couple therapy that should comprise a common core of fundamental skills and knowledge promoted across professional entities involved in the training, supervision, and subsequent licensure of couple...