Clergy and Family Systems Certificate Program
Ackerman’s online certificate program in clergy and family systems. Applications are open.
Clergy and Family Systems Certificate Program
Ackerman’s online certificate program in clergy and family systems. Applications are open.
About the Program
The Ackerman Certificate Program in Clergy and Family Systems teaches family systems theory and a relational approach to family therapy as it applies to ministerial counseling and functioning.
This online course will enhance the skills of clergy, priests, rabbis, imams, and other religious leaders who provide spiritual guidance to families across diverse communities. This training will help clergy support families, couples, and congregation members through life’s joys and challenges.
Curriculum
Classes meet on Mondays from September 2023 – May 2024.
The Ackerman Certificate Program in Clergy and Family Systems is held online. The course curriculum includes online meetings with expert faculty, dynamic discussion, readings, and take-home assignments. The certificate program consists of four classes that are taken sequentially.
Trainees may register for individual courses without enrolling in the full certificate program at a fee-per-class.
Program Goals
- Understand family systems thinking and therapy
- Demonstrate awareness of integration of family systems theory and theology
- Understand importance of family of origin and culture
- Learn importance of person of the clergy in ministerial functioning and leadership
- Conceptualize human functioning from a relational perspective
- Apply systemic principles, including a “both-and” perspective, to organizational management
- Understand the dynamic interplay of societal forces and family functioning
Course Descriptions
Mondays 9:30 – 11:30 am (ET)
September 18, 2023 – May 6, 2024
Tuition Fee: $6,000
Introduction to Family Systems Therapy is an introduction to systems theory and the various models of family therapy, including the Ackerman Relational Approach (ARA), as it applies to ministerial counseling.
This 60-hour course will be held online and includes meetings with faculty, dynamic discussion, readings, and take-home assignments.
Mondays 12:30 – 2:00 pm (ET)
September 18, 2023 – May 6, 2024
Tuition Fee: $4,500
The clinical seminar will provide a learning experience that supports the integration of family systems theory and theology through shared participant life and clergy experiences, including a family genogram.
This 45-hour course will be held online and includes meetings with faculty, dynamic discussion, readings, and take-home assignments.
Mondays 2:15 – 3:45 pm (ET)
September 18, 2023 – May 6, 2024
Tuition Fee: $4,500
This course will assist clergy in making intentional use of their personal and professional identities when providing support to family relationships and ministerial functioning.
Person of the Clergy Seminar adopts the concept of the “wounded healer.” It is through our woundedness that we can empathize with and relate to the woundedness of others. Our own wounds can be assets that allow us to feel another’s pain, understand their life struggles, facilitate hope and resilience, and help them to acquire a higher power of understanding and meaning in life.
This 45-hour course will be held online and includes meetings with faculty, dynamic discussion, readings, and take-home assignments.
Mondays 4:00 – 5:30 pm (ET)
September 18, 2023 – May 6, 2024
Tuition Fee: $4,500
Group Supervision for Clergy includes case material presented to a trained supervisor in both family therapy and theology. This 45-hour course will be held online.
→ Register for Group Supervision
Course Schedule
Mondays, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (ET)
September 18, 2023 – May 6, 2024
The deadline to apply is 8/31/23
Certificate Tuition
Tuition: $19,500
(Courses may be taken individually at fee-per-course.)
Launch Year Discount: We are offering at 25% Launch Year Discount for trainees who enroll in the year-long clergy certificate program.
CE Benefit: The certificate course does not provide continuing education credits. Trainees enrolled in the clergy certificate program are eligible to attend Ackerman workshops free of charge, and may earn CEUs for mental health licenses.
Eligibility
Applicants must be a faith leader or spiritual influencer, and hold a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline.
Meet Our Faculty
Marjorie Nightingale, PhD, JD, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Marlene F. Watson, PhD, LMFT
Ackeman Director of Training
Melissa Thoen, LCSW, CST
Ackerman Clinical Director
Why Should Clergy Train at Ackerman?
As the leader in couple & family therapy for over 60 years, the Ackerman Institute for the Family is uniquely positioned to help faith leaders better support families and communities. We view systems theory as an integral part of working with family relationships. Our goal is to deliver the most effective skills to professionals who make a difference.
We welcome clergy, priests, rabbis, imams, religious leaders, and other allied spiritual professionals to enhance your knowledge and practice.
FAQs: Clergy and Family Systems Certificate Program
Applications are now open for the certificate program. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the course reaches capacity. The deadline to apply is August 31st, 2023
You will need the following:
- Completed online application form
- Copy of Bachelors/Master’s degree or transcript
- Professional letter of recommendation
- CV / Resume
- $100 application fee
- Personal Statement: In 250 words, describe your interest in clergy and family systems training at Ackerman.
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.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance or denial by email within one month of the application deadline.
The certificate program does not provide continuing education contact hours.
Trainees enrolled in the full clergy certificate course may attend Ackerman workshops and earn CEUs for social work, couple and family therapy, and psychology free of charge.
We understand that some applicants will be completing their college degree in advance of the course start date. We will consider applications with proof of a pending degree.
If you have not yet received your degree, you may upload a copy of an official transcript or a certificate of graduation letter from your university program. A degree must be provided at the time of enrollment.
This course will be presented online via Zoom.
Trainees are required to attend online classes from a computer in good working condition with a strong WiFi connection. For the best experience, we recommend using headphones and a microphone during class meetings.
Most questions can be answered by reading our Clergy and Family Systems Program Policies.
If you have more questions about applying to the certificate program, contact our admissions department: admissions@ackerman.org
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The Ackerman Institute values diversity, equity, and inclusion and strives to have these values reflected in all operations of the Institute. We strive to create and foster an atmosphere of openness where all dimensions of diversity, beliefs, and values can be explored and discussed. Our focus on providing high quality culturally sensitive services affirm the value and humanity of all people.