Family therapy training courses are designed to support mental health professionals and families in diverse local communities. The family therapy workshops, short courses and special events aim to deepen your ways of thinking, connecting and practicing across the field of family systems therapy. Our goal is to amplify diverse voices in marriage and family therapy, create opportunities for cross-generational and cross-cultural professional development, and offer family resources for the communities we serve.

Our training program will equip public servants, including educators, clergy, police, firefighters, and others with skills to support community well-being. It focuses on identifying mental health issues, effective communication, and intervention strategies. Participants learn to navigate the challenges faced by individuals and families, ensuring a resilient and safe community environment.

Co-parenting through divorce is essential for safeguarding children’s and family members’ well-being amid family transitions. Divorce can profoundly impact children, necessitating additional support beyond typical developmental challenges. Co-parenting programs educate parents and relatives on strategies to assist children in adapting to these changes, shifting the focus from personal grievances to children’s needs. Objectives include understanding emotional reactions to divorce, preparing for social interactions, assessing the impacts of new living arrangements, adopting effective parenting approaches, facilitating discussions with children, aiding children in managing emotions, understanding new family structures, and accessing support resources.

At Central Iowa Family Institute, we are dedicated to providing high-quality training for graduate students and postdoctoral psychology residents pursuing careers in psychology and counseling. Our training programs are designed to equip students with the skills and experience necessary to excel in their future careers, offering a range of opportunities tailored to different stages of professional development.

As a proud member of the Cy-Hawk Psychology Internship Consortium in Iowa (part of the National Psychology Training Consortium), we offer a comprehensive internship program for Psychology Interns. This program is structured to provide a full year of formal training with a focus on generalist practice across a wide variety of psychological services. Interns gain hands-on experience in individual therapy, couple’s therapy, structural family therapy (SFT), and psychological testing. Our internship is designed to prepare students for successful careers in clinical and counseling psychology by offering diverse clinical opportunities, professional mentorship, and rigorous supervision.

Our Post-Doctoral Psychology Training program is recognized by the approved continuing education (ACE) program and is ideal for Psychology Residents who have completed their internship year and are seeking an additional year of supervised experience. This program provides an opportunity to develop a deeper focus in specific areas of interest, whether in psychotherapy or psychological testing. Residents receive intensive training and supervision, allowing them to hone their skills, gain specialized knowledge, and prepare for independent practice. Our postdoctoral program is designed to support residents in achieving their professional goals while ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the field and is accepted for continuing education credits.

Central Iowa Family Institute also offers practicum training for psychology graduate students who are in the process of completing their degrees. Our practicum program focuses on developing competencies in both psychotherapy and psychological testing. Students work directly with clients under the supervision of experienced Psychologists, gaining practical experience in conducting assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing therapeutic interventions. This program is an essential step in the training of future psychologists, providing the foundational skills needed for successful clinical practice.

For master’s level graduate students in counseling or related fields, we provide practicum and internship opportunities in individual, couple’s, and family counseling. For students interested in becoming a marriage and family therapist, our program is designed to help them apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, developing their counseling skills through direct client work. Students receive supervision and feedback from seasoned professionals, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent and compassionate counselors.

At Central Iowa Family Institute, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals. Our training programs are designed to provide the comprehensive, hands-on experience needed to excel in the ever-evolving field of psychology and counseling. Whether you are beginning your training or seeking to deepen your expertise, we offer the support and resources to help you succeed as mental health practitioners.

For more information about practicum, internship, or residency training opportunities at Central Iowa Family Institute please call us at 515-620-3192 or email Dr. Phillips at [email protected].