About the Program
Are you ready to transform the way you work with couples? This in-person Post-Master’s Certificate Program is designed to give you a powerful, unified approach to couples therapy, helping you navigate the complexities of modern relationships with confidence and skill. Grounded in the vulnerability cycle, a multi-level framework, and a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, this program offers you a comprehensive roadmap to guide couples from impasse to connection.
You’ll learn how to tackle some of the most challenging issues couples face today, including:
- Navigating the dilemmas of intimacy
- Healing from infidelity
- Managing jealousy
- Exploring sexuality, monogamy, and open relationships
- Understanding gender identity and the binds of gender roles
- Addressing financial tensions
- Bridging multicultural, interracial, and intercultural divides
Our roadmap is designed to help you pinpoint core dynamics in relationships, defuse escalating tensions, and transform moments of impasse into opportunities for meaningful dialogue and deeper intimacy. You’ll develop the tools to track couples’ interactions, delve into the underlying psychological and intergenerational issues, and bring about real, lasting change in their lives.
The course blends rich, didactic content with hands-on clinical training. Expect a dynamic mix of presentations, readings, video demonstrations, case consultations, and in-depth discussions. We’ll guide you through the nuances of assessment, hypothesis formulation, and treatment planning, equipping you with the specific skills needed to address even the most complex issues in the therapy room.
In our small, intimate setting, you’ll have the space to engage deeply with your own questions, learn from our internationally acclaimed faculty, and connect with like-minded peers. Michele Scheinkman, Jean Malpas, Suzanne Iasenza, Mary Kim Brewster, and Keren Ludwig are eager to share their expertise with you and help you take your practice to the next level.
Curriculum
The Post-Master’s Certificate Program in Couples Therapy consists of eight (8) 3-hour classes, which will meet in-person on Mondays from 3:00 pm—6:00 pm (ET), beginning October 07, 2024 and ending December 9, 2024. It is geared to beginners and also advanced experienced practitioners.
Method of Teaching
The methods of teaching will include didactic classes, readings, discussion, videotape demonstrations, and case consultations based on clinical cases presented by trainers and trainees.
Certificate Program Course Dates
Eight (8) 3-hour classes, meeting in-person on
Mondays, 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
October 7–December 9, 2024
Tuition and Application Fee
- Tuition for the 2024-2025 academic year is $1,800.00.
- Please note that the $100.00 application fee is waived for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Financial aid is not available.
View our Program Policies.
Continuing Education (CE) Credits
Ackerman is approved to provide CEs for psychologists, social workers, and marriage and family therapists in New York State. Also, the Ackerman Institute for the Family is an AASECT-Approved Organizational Provider of CE credits. The Post-Master’s Certificate Program in Couples Therapy will provide up to 24 CE credits.
Please note that you must attend classes in their entirety and complete an evaluation to receive CE credits.
Certificate Eligibility
To be eligible for our Post-Master’s Certificate Program in Couples Therapy, you must have a minimum of a master’s degree in a licensable mental health profession.
Teaching Faculty
This in- person course is led by Michele Scheinkman and co-taught by an internationally acclaimed faculty comprised of Jean Malpas, Suzanne Iasenza, Mary Kim Brewster, and Keren Ludwig.
Michele Scheinkman, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Director for the Couples Therapy Program
Jean Malpas, LMHC, LMFT
Couple & Family Therapist
Suzanne Iasenza, PhD
Psychologist
Mary Kim Brewster, PhD
Psychologist
Keren Ludwig, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Application Process
To apply to our in-person Post-Master’s Program in Couples Therapy, we require the following:
- Minimum of a master’s degree in a licensable mental health profession
- A resume
- A completed application ($100.00 application fee is waived for the 2024-2025 academic year)
Deadline is September 30, 2024. Upon submission of all application materials, decisions will be made within ten (10) days.
Program Policies
For inquiries, please contact:
Michele Scheinkman, LCSW, Director of Post-Master’s Certificate Program in Couples Therapy
Email: mscheinkman@ackerman.org
FAQs: Post-Master’s Certificate Program in Couples Therapy
Applications are now open for the certificate program. The deadline for application submission is September 30, 2024.
To apply to our in-person Post-Master’s Program in Couples Therapy, we require the following:
- Minimum of a master’s degree in a licensable mental health profession
- A resume
- A completed application ($100.00 application fee is waived for the 2024-2025 academic year)
Financial aid is not provided for this course.
The Ackerman Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on donors and earned revenue to work toward our mission. The full expense of training at Ackerman is subsidized by the generosity of our donors. Your tuition fees cover only a small portion of this expense. We thank you for investing in your professional future and for supporting the Ackerman Institute for the Family.
Upon submission of all application materials, decisions will be made within ten (10) days.
The certificate program will provide up to 24 CE credits.
We understand that some applicants will be completing their master’s degree in advance of the course start date. We will consider applications with proof of a pending master’s degree.
If you have not yet received your master’s degree, you may upload a copy of your official transcript or a certificate of graduation letter from your master’s program. A degree must be provided at the time of enrollment.
Most questions can be answered by reading our Couples Therapy Certificate Program Policies.
If you have more questions about applying to the certificate program, contact our admissions department: admissions@ackerman.org