Research on Couple/Family Counselor Training: A Search for Research

Abstract

The initial goals of IAMFC included conducting and fostering programs of education in the field of family counseling, and promoting and conducting programs of research in the field of marriage and family counseling (International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors, 1990). The goal of fostering program development shows signs of success, as currently 26 couple/marriage and family counseling programs are accredited by the council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). This article reviews research targeting couple/marriage and family counselor training. The literature search used commonly accessible databases (i.e., PsychInfo) as well as a hand search. Research on the training of counselors specializing in couple/marriage and family counseling (C/MFC) would go a long way toward meeting the goal of conducting research in the field of couple/marriage and family counseling. Possible implications for the field of counseling, especially the C/MFC specialty, follow.