Program Overview

Master of Relational and Family Therapy Program

The Master of Relational and Family Therapy (MRFT) program at the University of Guelph is a two-year immersive clinical training program that integrates theory into the practice of relational and systemic psychotherapy. This program is recognized by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and is accredited by the Canadian Association for Couple and Family Therapy (CACFT), preparing students to practice psychotherapy upon graduation.

Program Overview

The MRFT program is part of the Relational and Psychotherapy Training Program (RPTP) at the University of Guelph. It is the only secular, systemic relational education and training program in Ontario, offering a unique blend of theoretical foundations and clinical experience. The program focuses on relationship therapy with a foundation in systemic relational training, ensuring that graduates are career-ready with a strong understanding of how to work with clients in the context of their relationships and broader social systems.

Program Timeline

The Master of Relational and Family Therapy program is a two-year full-time course of study, beginning in May each year. The first academic summer semester prepares students to begin their five-semester internship placement in the fall. By the final semester, students are registered with the CRPO as a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) and are on track to become a Registered Marriage and Family Therapist (RMFT) with the CACFT.

Curriculum

As an MRFT student, you will complete seven courses in a combination of in-person and remote synchronous formats throughout the program:

• Resiliency and Trauma Informed Practice
• Sociocultural Attunement and Humility
• Foundations of Relational and Family Therapy
• Professional Ethics and Issues in Relational and Family Therapy
• Research in Relational Family Therapy
• Perspectives on Health and Well-being
• Gender, Sexuality and Clinical Interventions

In addition to coursework, the MRFT program includes six in-person practica designed to train students to become highly skilled, ethical, and competent systemic relational and family therapists. Students will accumulate up to 450 Direct Client Contact hours and 100 hours of clinical supervision through a 5-semester internship placement at the on-site Maplewoods Centre for Family Therapy and Child Psychology.

Training Facilities

All practicum classes, clinical work, and supervision in the MRFT program take place in the Maplewoods Centre for Family Therapy and Child Psychology. This newly-built and innovative centre on the University of Guelph campus provides a range of clinical therapy services for youth, adults, and families in the community. The centre is equipped with a state-of-the-art video capture system, allowing for digital recording and real-time observation of clinical work.

Faculty

The program is led by a team of experienced faculty members, including:

• Emma Turner, MSc, RP, RMFT-SM, Manager of Clinical Supervision
• Kevin VanDerZwet Stafford, MSc, RP, RMFT-SM, Co-Director of the Maplewoods Centre
• Dr. John Beaton, PhD, RP, RMFT-S, Associate Professor, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
• Rana Khan, MSc, RP, RMFT-SQ, Clinical Supervisor and Instructor
• Dr. Tuuli M. Kukkonen, PhD, C.Psych, Associate Professor, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
• Dr. Robin R. Milhausen, PhD, RP (Qualifying), Professor, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition
• Dr. Orion Neustifter, PhD, RP, RMFT-S, Associate Professor, Family Relations and Applied Nutrition

Admission Requirements

Admission to the MRFT is competitive, and applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Completion of an honours (four-year) baccalaureate degree or equivalent, with an average of 75% or higher in the last two years of study.
2. Completion of a social science research methods course with a grade of 70% or higher.

Tuition

For full tuition details for the Master of Relational and Family Therapy program, students should visit the Student Financial Services website.

Other Programs

The University of Guelph also offers other programs related to psychotherapy and mental health, including the Master of Psychotherapy and the Master of Arts in Mental Health. The Master of Psychotherapy program has a more traditional psychotherapy focus, with students completing two in-person practica at the Maplewoods Centre and a one-year externship. The Master of Arts in Mental Health is an online course-based program designed for professionals who want non-clinical mental health training infused with systemic thinking and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).