Ackerman’s most intensive program, the Externship Program, is designed for experienced practitioners. It provides rigorous clinical training in family therapy, with an emphasis on creating a relational understanding and practice that connects the presenting problem to the family members’ current relationships and their relationships over time. Different concepts and approaches to change are taught and used according to the “fit” of each family.

Students who complete the Clinical Externship receive a certificate at graduation and are invited to continue their professional and educational relationship with the Institute by joining the Ackerman Alumnae/i Association. In addition, selected trainees are eligible for specialized training through one of Ackerman’s five Thematic Centers (e.g., health, work, relational trauma, etc.)

To accommodate the varying schedules of our practicing clinicians, the externship is offered in two ways. Both programs run for 12 months and include ample vacation time and holidays.

The Day Program allows students to complete their training within two years. Classes are scheduled from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm one day a week.  An additional four (4) hours per week of clinical work with families during evenings or Saturdays is required.

The Evening Programallows students to spread their training out over three years. Classes are scheduled in the afternoon and evening from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm once a week, with an additional requirement of three (3) hours per week for clinical work with families, also during evenings or on Saturdays. The didactic seminar sequence must be completed in the first two years.

Program Components:

Clinical Practicum and Supervision
Intensive supervisory groups meet each week during the year in small groups to observe treatment sessions directly, review each extern’s videotapes and discuss cases in detail. Ackerman believes that individual learning is enhanced by observing colleagues being supervised. In this program, participants both receive and observe supervision, and learning is maximized. Supervision highlights family issues and places them in a larger social-cultural context. The role of the therapist and her/his development is emphasized.

Didactic Seminar
First Year: This weekly seminar focuses on the Ackerman Institute’s Training Guide through didactic presentations, videotape illustrations, role play and discussion. Students learn the Ackerman Institute model and how it applies to their supervision experience.

Second Year: This year is devoted to presentations of current work by senior clinical faculty on Ackerman’s ongoing research projects. Students also present their own work to each other, their supervisors and the Director of Training.

Treatment Hours
Working in Ackerman’s Treatment Center, externs treat three to four cases in ongoing family therapy, depending on the requirements of the Day or Evening Program. Externs are expected to complete a minimum of 250 clinical hours during their course of study at the Institute.

Qualifications:
A master’s degree or doctorate in social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or psychiatry and completion of the Foundations in Family Therapy and Live Clinical Supervision courses or their equivalents.

Separate application required:
Please call the Training Department at 212-879-4900, ext 111, for an application. A personal interview will be scheduled after the application, application fee, graduate transcripts and letters of recommendation are received.

Application Form

For more information contact:
Suna Elmas
212 879-4900, ext 111
training@ackerman.org