Family Therapy & Systemic Practice Training Programme
Bower Training offers a two year Advanced Clinical Training Programme in Family Therapy which is formally accredited with The Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT). AAFT is the independent peak body for family therapist in Australia and offers the only available pathway to independent accreditation of family therapy courses in Australia. This is the first step towards membership as a Clinical Family Therapist (AAFT) . * see practical professional development/supervision details for further information about AAFT registration.
Applicants to the course are required to hold a minimum bachelors degree in a related field and attend an interview before being offered a place.
When does this course commence?
Intakes have commenced and course starts February.
Enrolments open now!
This course is completed in 8 separate units, consisting of some online content, as well as some practical work and workshop attendance. The course is outlined in more detail below.
Unit 1: Introduction to Key Concepts in Family Therapy
Students are introduced to the key theoretical concepts underpinning systemic family therapy through readings and assignments. This unit is conducted online providing maximum flexibility.
Online, 20 hours
Units 2 & 3: Family Therapy & Systemic Practice; Professional Practice Workshops
This unit comprises of attendance at workshops presented at Bower Place which cover a range of topics addressing children, adolescents, adults, couples and families through systemic theoretical perspectives. Each workshop is conducted by Bower Place Directors and Senior Practitioners Malcolm Robinson or Catherine Sanders. The full course offers 20 workshops, 10 of which are offered in the first year and the remainder in the Year 2 of the course
20 x 3 hour Workshops over 2 years
30 hours/Unit (60 hours)
Unit 4: Observation of Clinical Practice
Students are introduced to the Bower Place Complex Needs Clinic as observers where they begin to understand the practical application of theoretical concepts addressed in Unit 1. They are inducted into the processes and procedures of the clinic and team and actively participate in the pre and post session discussions which link theory to practice.
20 hours
Wednesday evenings between 5.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m.
Unit 5: Supervised Clinical Practice
Students’ progress from observers of clinical practice to active participants in the room with clients. The student is supported by experienced practitioners and is required to participate at a level commensurate with their level of skill and theoretical sophistication. Students receive feedback from teachers and peers. Students work with their peers participating in briefing and debriefing sessions, developing observational and analytic skills and designing intervention.
38 hours
Wednesday evenings between 5.00 p.m – 7.30 p.m.
Units 6, 7 & 8: Supervised Clinical Practice
These units requires a more full and active participation in the Complex Needs Clinic. Students are expected to progress from the supported role taken in Unit 5 to actively managing their own cases, both in the room and outside. Teachers continue to maintain a strong supervisory role but expect greater levels of skill, initiative and participation. In some cases students at this level work as co-therapists with less experienced students.
3 x 38hrs (114 hours)
Wednesday evenings between 5.00 p.m. – 7.30 p.m.
What are the application requirements?
- Applicants are required to have completed a Bachelor Degree or equivalent as defined by the Australian Qualification Framework
- Currently working in the field/industry
- Relevant vocational experience in counselling and/or family therapy
Applicants for Family Therapy Training programs who wish to become clinical members of AAFT must have met the requirements listed above. They are presumed to have knowledge and a skills base in the social and health sciences or relevant fields. Family Therapy courses build on these already acquired skills and extend into Family Therapy competencies.
Block Placements
Block Placements are an option if you are unable to attend Wednesday evenings. This would involve 4x35hr weeks per year for two years. Placements will occur during School & TAFE holidays only.
For enquiries, please call (08) 8221 6066 or contact us
We will arrange an interview to discuss the value of this course for you and for us to assess your suitability before lodging your application
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