Program in Couples Therapy

Candidates must have a graduate degree (LMHC, LCSW, Psy.D., Ph.D., or M.D.) in their respective mental health field. No prior experience in treating couples is required.

The AUPCT emphasizes systemic therapy, enhanced by psychoanalytic ideas. As such, we strive to conceptualize and formulate the issues couples present with in in terms of co-created phenomena and enactments, intergenerational transmission of family of origin patterns, and unresolved issues from the past. Wishes, fears, and dreams of couple members are viewed as valuable relational partners in our program, and the use of transference and countertransference is integrated. Our team of experts strive to offer exposure to different theories and techniques so that candidates may explore and decide which best suit them in their work with couples.

As a program dedicated to treating couple systems and dynamics, included in our training is practical, hands-on guidance on how to intervene with couples most effectively. Our program also offers exposure to and training in empirically-validated skills and techniques in the treatment of couples. In sum, our program earnestly strives to help couples get better, in whichever form that ultimately represents for them.

The AUPCT is a Continuing Education based program, offering a series of seminars and workshops focused on current and traditional relationship constellations. As such, our program offerings run throughout the year. It is our belief that a Continuing Education based program offers candidates flexibility in custom-tailoring their training experience to best suit their interests. The option of earning an Advanced Certificate in Couples Therapy may also be possible as part of our program in the future.