Personal Development of the Therapist

"The professors have opened our minds to the different biases, assumptions, and worldviews we each operate under. Knowing the lens through which you see the world is imperative to understanding how you are going to function as a therapist. client's may come in with completely different perspectives on the world. Learning who we each are as individuals. has helped us be more in tune with 'the person of the therapist." -Lindsay Betzendahl

"The priority of using multiple perspectives is extremely valuable for the development of the person of the therapist." -Chad Quensen

"If you think you know yourself now....wait until finishing the program." -Karl Speirs


While preparation in the areas of clinical intervention, theory, and research are the primary elements of the MFT training program, an essential building block of training is a focus on the self of the therapist. Students are challenged to incorporate an awareness of the "self in context." This refers to the fact that therapy is viewed as a merging of the unique viewpoints, abilities, and experiences of clients with those of the therapist. The therapist's contribution to this process is an important aspect of training and supervision because it can either facilitate or hinder therapeutic success. Students are encouraged to examine their own personal beliefs, social and cultural worldviews, family of origin experiences, and other significant personal experiences as these impact their clinical work.