Family Counseling (Post Master Degree Professional Certificate)

The Professional Certificate in Family Counseling - Post Master, has been designed to develop a counseling professional who can provide quality therapeutic services to family systems from a biopsychosocial-spiritual holistic framework. Emphasis to the therapeutic process in areas of extreme need in the families of our country, such as violence, abuse, conflict management, addictions and the crisis management and losses from the thanatological perspective, and prevention. This certificate is designed for graduates of Guidance and Counseling Programs from accredited universities, who wish to provide family counseling services in hospitals, Government agencies, public and private educational agencies, and other institutions that provide services to families.

Program Goals:

1. To develop competent counseling professionals in the intervention process with families.
2. To develop counseling professionals who contribute in an integral manner with the mental, social and holistic health of the Puerto Rican family.

The Arecibo Campus is authorized to offer this professional Certificate.

Competencies Profile of Graduates

This Program is designed to develop the competencies that will allow students to:

1. Apply the diverse theories of family counseling, and incorporate the developmental theory to the counseling process.
2. Apply the therapeutic process, strategies and skills of family counseling.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and legal issues of family counseling.
4. Demonstrate the knowledge of human sexuality as part of the process of human development, which will allow them to develop effective strategies in the management of conflicts, disorders and family situations present in this area.
5. Design and develop intervention practices in family counseling, emphasizing the issues of the Puerto Rican family.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and effectively implement family counseling interventions for managing crises, addictions, pathology, conflict management and loss.
7. Demonstrate competence in the use of technological resources in the performance of their professional work.
8. Demonstrate a major commitment with their profession of a certified family counselor, for the quality of life of the Puerto Rican family, and with their responsibility to stay updated as part of their personal and professional competency.

Admission Requirements

1. Hold a Master in Counseling or in Guidance from an accredited university with a minimum general average of 3.00.
2. Have approved a course in family counseling at the graduate level.

Academic Progress Requirement

The student must maintain a cumulative academic index of 3.00.

Requirements for the Professional Certificate in Family Counseling - Post Master - 18 credits

Required Courses

PSYC 6005	Family Psychopathology	3
FACO 6020	Ethical and Legal Issues of Family Counseling	3
FACO 6025	Human Sexuality	3
FACO 6030	Conflict Management, Crises and Losses in the Family	3
FACO 6040	Family Counseling in Addiction and Abuse Cases	3
FACO 6050	Case Management in Family Counseling	3