Faith Integration in Marriage and Family Therapy Education: A Delphi Study of the Learning Experiences of Students Enrolled in Christian Faith-Based MFT Graduate Programs

This study explored how students in Christian faith-based marriage and family therapy (MFT) graduate training programs are taught and learn to integrate their faith with the discipline of MFT. A Delphi method was utilized to develop consensus among a panel of students enrolled in faith-based MFT training programs regarding what teaching methods and subject matter are most useful to MFT students’ integrative education. The results of this study indicated several helpful means by which to educate MFT students in matters of faith integration and also highlighted various ways in which students learn to connect their Christian beliefs and practices to the profession of family therapy. In tandem with these results, a number of recommendations for teaching integration to students enrolled in Christian faith-based MFT graduate programs are also discussed.