In Level I, an overview of family therapy models and an extensive exploration of the Bowenian-based FIW Multi-Contextual Model is presented in the didactic sessions, with an emphasis on the development of assessment skills. In addition, trainees bring material from their own cases, sometimes using videotapes or live sessions, for group supervision in weekly 2-hour sessions. In the first year, trainees are also required to participate in a monthly seminar called Therapist’s Own Family.

Level II builds on the first year, with a didactic series that includes tracking a single case from inception to completion demonstrating the application of the Multi-Contextual Model. Trainees have the opportunity to discuss the challenges of planning and executing therapeutic interventions. Issues such as illness, death, divorce, re-marriage and substance abuse in the family are highlighted from the perspective of the FIW model. In the second year of supervision, clinical skills are honed through work on assessment, tracking themes, altering triangles, construction of tasks and techniques for working with the extended family through an individual. Special attention is paid to adapting the model for short term application as well.

Level III focuses on working with couples and with individuals, through coaching, in the didactic series. Models of couples treatment are explored, with emphasis on the multi-generational perspective. Family therapy research is reviewed and discussed. The supervision sessions continue to build skills, with expectations to employ three-generational coaching tasks to facilitate change.

The core training is conducted on Tuesdays, October through May, with specific times arranged for each group. Training consists of 60 hours of group supervision and 30 hours of didactic seminars per year. Trainees may also participate in other special programs and presentations throughout the year. NASW and NBCC CEUs are available for the core training.

A personal interview is required of all new applicants.
Tuition: $3000 per year, $500 due upon registration

Advanced Supervision

FIW’s advanced supervision encourages trainees to present families for live supervision. Applicants for advanced supervision must demonstrate clinical skills and experience equal to at least two yeas of FIW’s core clinical training. Intensive supervision of difficult cases supports practitioners in private practice and helps trainees become community advocates for families.

Tuition: $1800

The Fine Art of Teaching

This experience is designed for advanced level trainees who are building private practices or may be working as agency leaders and who wish to provide community education. Building on research skills, trainees develop in-depth presentations in areas of their own interest related to families or couples. They prepare the presentations and actually present them for critique to faculty and peers.

Tuition: $1200

Introduction to the FIW Model and The Self and the Family

This 20-session course presents beginning skills development in family therapy; specialized training for new clinicians and those returning to the field. In the first half of the course, trainees focus on assessment, using genograms, setting the mutigenerational and multi-contextual framework and planning interventions. The format includes didactic presentations, experiential exercises, role plays of simulated families and observation of videotaped staff consultations. In the second half, the therapist’s conceptual and experiential understanding of family systems is deepened through the use of photos, genograms, sculpting, readings and group process. Participation allows for the therapist to examine his or her own family in the company of colleagues and is considered a vital part of the process of becoming a family therapist.

Tuition: $1800

AAMFT Approved Supervisor Training

FIW is an AAMFT sanctioned provider of the training for approved supervisor status. This course is designed for advanced clinicians who are already clinical members of AAMFT. A 10-module course, it can be organized to accommodate the schedule of trainees.

Tuition: $1000

Special Consultation

Advanced Difficult Case Seminar This Special consultation seminar is available to therapists actively working with couples and families. Participation is limited to clinicians who have completed the FIW training program or its equivalent. Trainees are urged to present live or videotaped sessions. It is an opportunity for veteran therapists to experiment with new techniques, present areas of difficulty in treatment, and receive guidance from senior FIW faculty.

These sessions are provided monthly October through May. (Private supervision may be arranged with faculty members).

Tuition: $1000

Trainees and alumni have access to our extensive library of books and videotapes and receive discounted fees on all other FIW programs.

Each year FIW presents a series of workshops for the mental health community. These programs are presented by the faculty and invited adjuncts and reflect specific areas of expertise, work in progress and issues of interest to active practitioners. Some of these are in a Learn at Lunch format.

This year the workshops that are being offered include:

Barbara- CEU club
Elliott- Affairs
Pat- Therapists and $
David- Mindfulness
Elliott- Parent Alienation
Norma Litman- Spectrum Disorders