Storying Spirituality in the Lives of Couples and Families
Faith-Based Seminar
with Dr. Suzanne Coyle
The Ackerman Core <Â Seminar Courses < Storying Spirituality
Course Overview
Couples and families find it challenging to negotiate changing values in an increasingly disconnected world. Designed for mental health professionals, therapists, and spiritual leaders across diverse traditions, this course focuses on the self, systems, and spirit.
We will begin with the person of the caregiver—bridging clinical practice and spiritual or communal care—and then demonstrate foundational ways to structure questions in supportive conversations. These approaches are based on a relational systemic understanding of spirituality in a diverse world. Participants will practice various approaches that honor their own worldviews, fostering a rich dialogue between therapeutic modalities and diverse spiritual perspectives.
We encourage prospective students to submit their applications by June 15, 2026, for priority review. Applications received after this date will continue to be considered on a rolling basis as space remains available within each program.
Course Details
Format:Â Fully Online
Duration:Â 14 Weeks
Schedule: Thursdays | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET
Start Date:Â January 28
End Date:Â May 6
Level: Open / No prerequisites*
Earn: 42 CE Credits Upon Completion
Tuition:Â $2,500
Flexible Payment Options:Â 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
Scholar. Author. Educator. Practitioner.
Suzanne Coyle grounds her integrative clinical and experiential work in spirituality and family therapy in narrative and relational systemic orientations. She holds a Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology and Communications from Princeton Theological Seminary and completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy and Community Work from the Dulwich Centre in Australia. Her clinical training also includes work at the Ackerman Institute.
Suzanne is the Program Director of the MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at Christian Theological Seminary, which emphasizes an inclusive setting for students of color and varying spiritualities. Having served at CTS for 22 years, Suzanne speaks nationally and internationally at conferences focused on relational systemic work and spirituality. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) as well as a spiritual director.
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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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 |
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