Trainees learn about the theory and principles of cognitive behaviour, psychodynamic and family therapies for working with children, adolescents, families and parents.

This option is for those interested in learning about therapies with children, adolescents, families and parents but who may not yet be offering therapy. This offers an in-depth foundation in CBT, psychodynamic and family therapy.

Trainees learn about the theory and principles of cognitive behaviour, psychodynamic and family therapies for working with children, adolescents, families and parents and then put this knowledge into practice in in-depth clinical supervision.

This option is for those offering therapy to children, adolescents, families or parents who want a strong foundation in theory as well as supervision in how to put this into practice.

The course is conducted on a two year, part-time basis – one half day per week over four twelve-week semesters. The course is held on Wednesdays according to the University of Melbourne semester timetable. The Mindful Certificate in CAFT: Theory requires the completion of the four theory subjects. The Mindful Certificate in CAFT: Theory and Clinical Practice requires the completion of the four theory subjects plus four the clinical practicums.

1. Foundations of Working with Children
2. Foundations of Working with Adolescents
3. Foundations of Working with Families
4. Foundations of Parent and Liaison Work

Clinical Practice Practicums

Clinical practice practicums comprise closely supported training in the application of various forms of clinical work through close supervision with well-experienced clinicians.

The four clinical practice practicums are:

1. Working with Children
2. Working with Adolescents
3. Working with Families
4. Conducting Parent and Liaison Work

Whilst participating in each of these clinical practice practicum, students must work with the relevant population, eg., during the "Working With Children" practicum, trainees must have direct therapeutic contact with children aged 0-12 years. Applicants who do not have the required access to children, adolescent, or families are helped to seek opportunities for access through other services.

• A written assessment of between 4,000 to 5,000 words for each of the four theory subjects
• Attendance at a minimum of 80% sessions

• A written case assessment of 2,500 to 4,000 words for each of the four clinical practice practicums
• A log of 20 clinical therapy contacts for each of the four clinical practice practicums
• Attendance at a minimum of 80% of sessions

1. Graduates with a relevant undergraduate degree (eg. Psychology, occupational therapy, speech pathology, general or psychiatric nursing, social work, medicine, education, or other similar disciplines).
2. Sufficient experience and/or prior training in conducting assessments and working with children, adolescents, and families with a variety of social, emotional, behavioural, and developmental difficulties.
    

1. Section criteria 1 and 2 (above) for the Theory only component of the course plus,
2. Employment (full-time or part-time) within a service that provides access to children and/or adolescents, and/or families. This is because students need to be able to use the techniques taught in their own therapeutic work.