The FIW Training Program
Training consists of two levels: the core program and the advanced training/mentorship. The core program is a
training model which utilizes the trainees' own clinical cases in supervisory seminars and provides didactic
material in family therapy. It is organized as an intensive two-year program, designed for clinicians with little
or no experience in family therapy. Trainees in the core program come to the Institute for weekly two hour
supervisory seminars in which they regularly present videotaped or "live" families. In addition, they
participate in a yearly thirty hour didactic seminar which Is required at all levels of training. This two-year
training program consists of weekly involvement in supervisory groups consisting of four or five trainees and a
supervisor. Trainees bring families that they are treating to FIW, where a therapy session is viewed by the
supervisor and other members of the training group. The post-session discussion is focused on helping both the
therapist and the family. If trainees are unable to bring families 'live", a videotaped therapy session can also
be presented, as can a traditional "case presentation" discussion of the trainee's clinical cases. Interwoven
with the clinical supervision are didactic teaching of theory, reading and discussion of professional literature,
and a study of the trainee's own family.
At the advanced level trainees continue in group supervision with senior level faculty and are also given the
opportunity to work one-on-one in a mentorship arrangement where appropriate. At the advanced level didactic
presentations are more focused on difficult cases and the development of supervisory skills and community
education. Under the auspices of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the National Board
of Certified Counselors (NBCC) we offer CEU’s for all training at FIW.