ge, Familyand Child Therapy SpecialtyStudent Roles and Responsibilities for the Master of Counseling Marria Essayge, Familyand Child Therapy SpecialtyThe student roles and responsibilities of the Masters of Counseling inMarriage, Family and Child Therapy (MCMFCT) at the University of Phoenix are toadvance competent and ethical practitioners in family, couple and individualtherapy in a variety of settings. By following the program’s defined curriculumfor professional role development, the successful graduate will be able toprovide counseling services “in accordance with the highest ethical andprofessional standards” (Master of Counseling – Program Handbook, p.
7). To achieve this end, the student must adopt and synthesize theprofessional and ethical standards of the program into his own academic andpersonal development. He must develop and demonstrate a broad base oftheoretical knowledge and therapeutic skills combined with his own ethicaljudgment and counseling expertise. The student is responsible for maintaining agrade point average (GPA) of 3. 0 or better to indicate a foundation ofbehavioral and social sciences, developmental theories as well as principlesand practices for planning, initiating and evaluating therapeutic roles. Inaddition, a GPA of 3.
0 or better must be maintained in all clinical courses todisplay excellence in standards and competence as a counseling professional. Failure to maintain the expected grading requirement will result in academicprobation. In addition to the above criteria, the student must demonstrateexcellent 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 areasare addressed and evaluated in three portfolio review courses, each of which ispass/fail. The student’s leadership, interpersonal skills, self-direction, self-awareness and personal growth should reflect the program’s philosophical andethical principles to ensure his development as a competent professional.
(University of Phoenix Handbook, 1996). Ethical standards and the responsibility of protecting the rights ofclients must follow the AAMFT Code of Ethics and be reflected in the student’sown actions and belief system. (University of Phoenix Handbook, 1995). Studentsare to maintain client confidentiality, and understand that clinical datashould only be used to aid in the learning process. Students must develop andmaintain appropriate confidentiality in creating, storing, and disposing ofrecords as well as in written or communicated information to others (HCS500,Ethical Standards, 1988). SummaryThe U of P MCMFCT roles and responsibilities are to promote excellence inethical standards and professional development within the MCMFCT graduate.
They are trained in providing couple family and individual assessment andcounseling with diverse populations. They are trained in family systems,consultation, research and intervention services to advance profession of themarriage, family and child therapy specialty. ReferencesPublication 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..
