Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy
School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy
The Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT) degree at Fuller’s School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy is designed for licensed mental health clinicians seeking to deepen their clinical expertise and further their professional training. This hybrid (online and in-person) DMFT program provides advanced clinical training and greater knowledge in assessment and research for already licensed therapists practicing in clinical settings including private practice, community agencies, schools, hospitals, or universities. The curriculum is developed out of a commitment to the integration of faith and psychology and to multicultural competence in clinical and professional practice.
Hybrid Learning
Online + in-person weekend intensives
2-year Program
70 quarter units
Deepen Your Expertise
Advanced clinical training
Admissions
Admission Requirements
To be considered for the DMFT program, applicants must submit an online application, essay responses, and official transcripts reflecting completed coursework for a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or related field. All applicants must hold an active license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (or a related mental health license) prior to starting the DMFT program. Find the specific requirements here.
Please note that this program is currently pending authorization for online studies in some US states. Please contact jeffreypenzone@fuller.edu for more specific information about authorization in your state.
Admission Deadlines
Online application opens: August 1
Early application and file completion deadline: November 1
Please note, the $75 application fee will be waived if you submit the application online by November 1.
Final application and file completion deadline: December 1
Please allow ample time to submit a completed application (including all references, transcripts, TOEFL and/or IELTS Academic Format score[s], and supplementary materials) by the December 1 deadline.
Tuition
Visit the Paying for Grad School page to learn more about the estimated tuition for this program.
The Clinician-Consultant Training Model
A hallmark of Fuller’s DMFT program is the clinician-consultant model, founded on our core belief that clinicians who specialize in the treatment of couples and families are uniquely equipped for consulting based on their knowledge of systemic theories and the process of change. In this model, licensed clinicians will deepen their clinical skills while learning how to translate their clinical expertise as consultants in diverse settings. Through challenging experiential learning, students will expand on their specific modalities and develop techniques from systemic theories. At the same time, students will learn how to consult with churches, businesses, and other agencies on topics that are directly related to issues that affect individuals, couples, families, and communities. The clinician-consultant model will help students cultivate and transform clinical acumen into practical interventions designed to help diverse populations.
Advanced Clinical Expertise and Research
DMFT students will receive a full year (four quarters) of in-depth clinical consultation with clinical faculty members who will provide weekly live observation and consultation in a variety of therapeutic modalities. Then, students will complete a clinically focused dissertation or clinical project that demonstrates their ability to utilize research in clinical practice. This original work can include a clinical case study, program evaluation, resource development, or a critical analysis of literature.
Integration
Exploring the intersection of psychology and theology is a central task of Fuller’s School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy (SOPMFT). Integration is a part of every course in SOPMFT, and we also offer a broad range of integration-specific courses, many of which are electives that students can take according to their interests. An essential feature of integration in the school is an emphasis on the self-of-the-therapist process, providing opportunities for the integrator to grow toward greater personal congruence between their personal psychology and faith.
Culturally Competent Practice
Integrating faith and cultural competence within the academic setting is paramount to the DMFT’s goal of training Christian clinician-consultants who are committed to the relational health of individuals, couples, families, organizations, businesses, and the communities in which they serve. The Fuller DMFT program prepares students to lead and practice as inclusive and culturally competent professionals by providing multiple opportunities for students to deepen their cross-cultural skills in psychotherapy and consultation.
Clinical Specializations
DMFT faculty have expertise in the following areas: Emotionally Focused Therapy, Restoration Therapy, Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Therapy, Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Trauma-Informed Therapy. Students will have the opportunity to receive in-depth consultation in these specialized areas and apply these theories in their own clinical practice.
*The modalities that are offered are subject to change
Degree Outline
The DMFT is a hybrid degree program. All courses are taught online and include one in-person weekend intensive, with the exception of Practicum Consultation and Dissertation Instruction, which are facilitated exclusively online.
Year 1/Quarter 1
- Online Dissertation Instruction (2 units)
- Assessment for Clinician-Consultants (4 units)
Year 1/Quarter 2
- Culturally Informed Practice (4 units)
- Practicum Consultation (8 units)
Year 1/Quarter 3
- Advanced Issues in Integration (4 units)
- Practicum Consultation (8 units)
Year 1/Quarter 4
- Practicum Consultation (8 units)
- Choice of: Grief, Loss, Death and Dying; Spiritual Formation and the Twelve Steps; Healing Prayer in Intercultural Ministry (4 units)
Year 2/Quarter 1
- Trauma & Resilience in MFT (4 units)
- Practicum Consultation (8 units)
Year 2/Quarter 2
- Advanced Seminar on Human Sexuality (4 units)
- Dissertation (4 units)
Year 2/Quarter 3
- Career and Practice Development (4 units)
- Dissertation (4 units)
*Course sequence is subject to change.
Hybrid Learning
Halfway through each academic quarter, DMFT students will gather for an in-person* weekend intensive at one of our campuses in Pasadena, Houston, or Phoenix. Weekend intensives will consist of practical and engaging presentations, consultations, and role-plays. They will also provide networking opportunities with the other students in the cohort and time to connect with faculty.
Sessions will be held Friday evening from 6:00pm - 9:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am - 5:00pm (local time). Dinner on Friday evening, light breakfast on Saturday morning, and a box lunch on Saturday will be provided.
Fall 2022 Quarter
October 28-29, 2022 - Pasadena, CA
Winter 2023 Quarter
February 3-4, 2023 - Pasadena, CA
Spring 2023 Quarter
April 28-29, 2023 - Pasadena, CA
Fall 2023 Quarter
October 27-28, 2023 - Houston, TX
Winter 2024 Quarter
February 2-3, 2024 - Houston, TX
Spring 2024 Quarter
April 27-28, 2024 - Houston, TX
*In person instruction will resume when safe and permissible to do so in accordance with COVID-19 protocols and public health guidelines. Students are responsible for arranging all travel and lodging accommodations.
Upcoming Events
The Fuller Symposium on the Integration of Psychology and Theology is the annual conference held by the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy.
Supportive Community
Students will be able to build professional and personal relationships that last beyond the program. Faculty value the mentoring opportunities that occur in online classes, consultation groups, and during the two-day, in-person intensives each quarter. These groups and meetings will foster a deeper understanding of various specialized areas in the marriage and family therapy field and allow students to connect with one another, while growing their community and networks.
Request More Information About the DMFT
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Get to know your admissions counselor | Jeff Penzone
As a Regional Admissions Recruiter, I bring a wealth of experience to this field. My main focus is partnering with prospective students and helping them realize their calling by God in pursuing a great education and high-level training at Fuller in the Marriage and Family Therapy program. My background includes being a high school teacher, a group ticket sales manager for a professional soccer team, and a successful student recruiter for Grand Canyon University and Ottawa University in Surprise, in addition to Arizona Christian University. I have also been a high school soccer coach (boys and girls) for 26 years before retiring this past season. I also received my Master or Arts in Leadership from Ottawa University.
Outside of Fuller, I am a club and middle school soccer coach (CCV Stars and Northwest Christian School) and I enjoy the outdoors, especially hiking. I have been married to my wife Nancy for nineteen years and we have five children: Trevor, Liz, Adam, Lexie and Nate.
Contact
Chat with an Admissions representative
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