Course Overview
Grounded in Ackerman’s signature relational approach, this course introduces the core principles of family therapy while engaging in the realities that shape how individuals and families experience the world.
Participants will explore how relationships are influenced by identity, culture, and broader social systems, gaining the perspective and tools needed to work more effectively across differences. This includes direct engagement with systemic inequities, including racism and other forms of oppression, and how these dynamics show up in both clinical and real-world settings.
More than an introduction, this course challenges participants to think critically, reflect deeply, and strengthen their ability to navigate complex relational dynamics with clarity, intention, and respect.
Designed for professionals across disciplines, Foundations in Family Therapy provides a strong, relevant starting point for anyone seeking to build or refine their work with individuals, couples, and families.
Course Details
Format: Fully Online
Duration: 14 Weeks
Schedule: Mondays | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Start Date: September 14
Level: Open / No prerequisites*
Tuition: $2,500
Flexible Payment Options: Payment plans and financial aid available
* We are committed to building a diverse community of learners. While relevant professional experience in behavioral health, mental health services, or human services is valued, it is not a mandatory prerequisite for these courses.
About the Instructor
Molly Bobek, LCSW is the Director of the Center for the Ackerman Relational Approach (ARA) at the Ackerman Institute for the Family, where she leads efforts to refine, integrate, and advance ARA across the Institute’s training programs and clinical work. A graduate of Ackerman’s Core Curriculum Program, where she trained for five years, Molly has been a member of the faculty for over a decade, teaching Foundations of Family Therapy and Live Clinical Supervision.
Molly is deeply committed to helping trainees translate relational concepts into clear, practical clinical skills. In the Foundations course, she emphasizes the application of systemic thinking, including the use of self, alliance-building, and the flexible integration of couple and family therapy techniques.
What You’ll Gain
- Deepen your understanding of relational, couples, and family therapy
- Strengthen your ability to navigate complex family dynamics
- Expand your clinical thinking through multicultural and systemic frameworks
- Build confidence in working across diverse contexts
- Learn from leaders shaping the field
Who These Courses Are For
- Therapists and counselors
- Social workers
- Psychologists
- Educators and school-based professionals
- Frontline and family-serving professionals
- Graduate students and emerging clinicians
- Experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their relational lens
Attend an Information Session
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Seminar Courses Information Session
May 14, 2026
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
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Ackerman Core: Training Overview
May 16, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
-
Ackerman Core: Training Overview
May 27, 2026
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Online
Online events are held in Eastern Standard Time (ET). A link will be emailed 1 day before the event.
Take the Next Step.
Secure Your Spot
Getting started is simple:
1. Submit Your Application
Complete our online form to begin the process.
2. Receive Your Admissions Decision
Our team will review your credentials and notify you of your status.
3. Confirm Your Enrollment
Secure your placement with a deposit.
Deposit Amount: $500
(Note: This deposit is applied directly toward your tuition balance.)
Flexible payment options and institutional scholarships are available to support your enrollment.
Tuition Payment Schedule
| Payment Option | Amount | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Payment in Full | 100% of Tuition | August 15 |
| Payment Plan (Installment 1) | 50% of Tuition | August 15 |
| Payment Plan (Installment 2) | Remaining Balance | October 15 |