Utah Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic PLLC: AAMFT Centric Philosophy and Commitment to Training

Philosophy and Commitment to Training

At Utah Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic, we are deeply committed to the professional development and training of emerging clinicians. Our philosophy is grounded in the belief that effective training is an evolving process that combines theoretical knowledge, practical application, and personal growth. Our training program is designed to introduce novice clinicians to essential skills in a structured, supportive, and ethically sound environment.

Introducing Novice Clinicians

  1. Comprehensive Orientation: New clinicians begin with an in-depth orientation that includes an overview of our clinic’s mission, values, and therapeutic approaches. This orientation also familiarizes them with the AAMFT Code of Ethics, ensuring that ethical considerations are at the forefront of their practice.
  2. Mentorship and Supervision: Each novice clinician is paired with an experienced supervisor who provides consistent guidance, support, and feedback. Our supervisors are dedicated to fostering a collaborative learning environment where new clinicians can develop their skills in a safe and supportive context based on DOPL’s supervisor guidelines. Supervisors and supervisees will enter a “supervision contract” in compliance with AAMFT licensing requirements and DOPL supervisory requirements.
  3. Structured Training Modules: We utilize a series of training modules that cover key areas such as assessment techniques, intervention strategies, and treatment planning. These modules are designed to build foundational skills and progressively introduce more complex concepts and practices.

Assessment of Student Progress

  1. Ongoing Evaluations: Progress is assessed through regular evaluations that include self-assessments, peer reviews, and supervisor feedback. These evaluations focus on clinical competencies, ethical practice, and professional growth in alignment with DOPL Supervision guidelines.
  2. Reflective Practice: Clinicians are encouraged to engage in reflective practices, recording their learning, progress, and growth.
  3. Client Feedback: Client surveys and/or session reviews provide additional insights into a clinician’s effectiveness and areas for growth. This feedback is used to tailor training and support to individual needs.

Addressing Training Problems

  1. Early Identification: Potential training issues are identified early through regular supervision meetings and performance reviews. Open communication between supervisors and clinicians ensures that concerns are addressed promptly.
  2. Customized Support Plans: When issues are identified, customized support plans are developed to address specific needs. These plans may include additional supervision, targeted training, and resources to enhance skills and knowledge.
  3. Ethical and Professional Guidance: We emphasize the importance of adhering to the AAMFT Code of Ethics in all aspects of practice. Ethical dilemmas and professional challenges are discussed in supervision to ensure that clinicians are well-prepared to handle such situations.

Alignment with the AAMFT Code of Ethics

Our clinic operates in strict alignment with the AAMFT Code of Ethics. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical practice, confidentiality, and professional integrity. Our training program emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making, respect for clients’ autonomy, and the commitment to promoting clients’ well-being.

Relational/Systemic Philosophy

We adopt a relational/systemic philosophy in conceptualizing presenting problems, diagnosis, intervention, and treatment. This approach recognizes that individuals are best understood within the context of their relationships and social systems.

  1. Holistic Assessment: We consider the interplay of individual, relational, and systemic factors when assessing clients. This holistic perspective allows for a more comprehensive understanding of presenting issues.
  2. Integrated Interventions: Our interventions are designed to address relational dynamics and systemic influences. Techniques from Structural Family Therapy, Narrative Family Therapy, EFT, Systems Theory, and the Gottman Method are integrated to provide tailored and effective treatment.
  3. Collaborative Treatment Planning: Treatment plans are developed collaboratively with clients, taking into account their relational contexts and systemic influences. This ensures that interventions are relevant, culturally sensitive, and aligned with clients’ goals.

Overview

The Utah Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of novice clinicians through a structured, supportive, and ethically grounded training program. Our commitment to the AAMFT Code of Ethics, combined with our relational/systemic philosophy, ensures that emerging therapists are well-prepared to provide high-quality, compassionate, and effective care to their clients. We are confident that our training program not only meets but exceeds the standards required for AAMFT clinical site approval.

Clinical Training Site Overview and Expectations

Collaboration and Communication:

  • We will participate in an initial Clinical Training Site visit/interview with the Director of Clinical Education from the intern’s academic program.
  • Our staff is available to engage with practicum faculty as requested to ensure a cohesive training experience.

Licensure and Ethical Standards:

  • Our Clinical Site Supervisors maintain their MFT licenses and status as state-approved or AAMFT-approved Supervisors.
  • We conduct all training activities ethically and professionally, adhering to state laws and the AAMFT Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
  • We practice and permit only empirically based interventions following the current practice guidelines of AAMFT.

Orientation and Clear Expectations:

  • Interns will receive an appropriate orientation to the policies and procedures of our Clinical Training site.
  • We communicate clear expectations to all interns to ensure a mutual understanding of roles and responsibilities.

Structured Supervision and Availability:

  • Interns will have regular, pre-set, uninterrupted times for weekly supervision sessions.
  • Supervisors are available for consultation in the case of a clinical emergency to provide additional support as needed.

Clinical Opportunities and Competence-Based Assignments:

  • We provide adequate clinical opportunities to meet training requirements and ensure interns gain practical experience.
  • Cases will be assigned based on the intern’s level of competence to foster development and confidence in their skills.
  • Interns are not expected to exceed 15 hours of direct client contact per week unless a written exception is provided by the Director of Clinical Training to allow up to 20 hours per week.

Documentation and Feedback:

  • Supervisors will review and approve accurate hour logs using a time-tracking software on a weekly basis.
  • Interns will receive clear and frequent feedback regarding their progress to support their professional growth.

Communication and Evaluation:

  • Any difficulties with interns at the Clinical Training Site will be communicated to the Director of Clinical Education as early as possible.
  • Supervisors will evaluate interns in a timely manner and complete end-of-course and final evaluations of intern competence.
  • In cases of negative evaluations, the Director of Clinical Education and the Program Director will consult to determine the appropriate course of action.

Timely Updates and Professional Documentation:

  • Any changes in the training experience, such as a supervisor change or termination of the relationship with an intern, will be promptly communicated to the Director of Clinical Education.
  • Supervisors are required to maintain an up-to-date resume and supervisor certificate with the intern’s academic program.
  • Communication with academic program faculty and administration will be conducted in a timely and respectful manner.

Expectations of Interns and Their University Programs

Licensure and Operation:

  • The Clinical Training Site is chartered or licensed by the appropriate state authority since March, 2021.

Facilities and Equipment:

  • Our clinic provides adequate facilities and equipment for interns to carry out their designated responsibilities effectively.

Ethical Standards and Practice Guidelines:

  • The Clinical Training Site and supervisors comply with the professional ethics standards and practice guidelines published by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).
  • We practice and permit only those empirically based interventions that follow the current practice guidelines of AAMFT.

Counseling Opportunities:

  • Interns will provide regularly scheduled individual and family counseling as a primary activity.
  • The clinic has a sufficient number and variety of clients to ensure interns gain breadth and depth of experience in counseling.
  • Interns are not required to find their own clients and may not engage in private practice.
  • Interns will be directly involved in providing therapy to clients once they are deemed ready, beyond shadowing a senior therapist.

Supervision and Support:

  • Qualified supervisors with experience in supervising family counseling students will be available for training and support.
  • Supervisors will be accessible for questions and crisis support.

Supervision and Documentation:

  • Interns will receive weekly supervision sessions.
  • Supervisors will regularly review and sign off on treatment plans and case notes.
  • Training on managing appropriate billing processes will be provided.
  • Supervisors will verify intern hours weekly using a time-tracking software.

HIPAA Compliance and Confidentiality:

  • The clinic maintains HIPAA-compliant standards.
  • Policies are in place for maintaining the confidentiality of client Protected Health Information, case-note completion, management, and storage.
  • Interns will have an appropriately confidential place to provide therapy.

Recording and Data Sharing:

  • The clinic will allow interns to record and share client data with academic program faculty.
  • The site permits audio or video recording of clinical experiences for sharing in practicum, with client informed consent and strict confidentiality.
  • The site collaborates with academic programs to create a process for HIPAA-compliant recording, transport, and deletion of client data.

Maintaining Confidentiality of Recorded Therapy Sessions

  • Interns will be provided with a recording device for therapy sessions, to be used only with written client permission.
  • Recordings should focus on the intern and be protected by multiple locks, both electronic and physical.
  • The recording device should be kept secure during transport and at home or school, with any incidents of loss or theft reported immediately for remote data deletion.
  • Interns must use only the provided recording device and comply with data standards outlined by HIPAA, HITECH, and the AAMFT Code of Ethics.

We are dedicated to fostering a professional, ethical, and supportive training environment for all interns. We look forward to working with you and supporting your growth as a marriage and family therapist.