Fall 2026 Adjunct Faculty COUN 721-02: Family Systems, Theories and Applications

Fall 2026 Adjunct Faculty COUN 721-02: Family Systems, Theories and Applications

Location: Moraga, CA

Open Date: 2026-05-07

Deadline: 2026-05-22

Description:Per course adjunct faculty for the Counseling program's course, COUN 721-02.

Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's is a residential campus nestled 20 miles east of San Francisco in the picturesque Moraga Valley. Based in the Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions, Saint Mary's currently enrolls more than 4,000 students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate programs. The De La Salle Christian Brothers, the largest teaching order of the Roman Catholic Church, guide the spiritual and academic character of the College.

As a comprehensive and independent institution, Saint Mary's offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating liberal and professional education. Saint Mary's reputation for excellence, innovation, and responsiveness in education stems from its vibrant heritage as a Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts institution. An outstanding, committed faculty and staff that value shared inquiry, integrative learning, and student interaction bring these traditions to life in the 21st century. The College is committed to the educational benefits of diversity.

Qualifications:

COUN 721-02 ( Family Systems, Theories, and Applications) 3 Units

Mondays 4:15-7pm

This course provides an introduction to the theories and practice of family therapy, and includes an overview of family systems theories: natural systems, psychodynamic, experiential, structural, communications, strategic, and postmodern. The content covers three essential areas of study: (a) theoretical concepts and models of systems theory and family therapy, along with related research and professional issues; (b) practical information, techniques, and procedures; and (c) issues concerning today's couples and families, including those family contexts that do not conform to the traditional nuclear family model. Throughout the course, all contexts relevant to the process of therapy, including gender, culture, and ethnicity, will be explored. The impact of domestic violence (DV), gender, and culture on family dynamics will also be reviewed.

Course Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

1. Recognize how their own family experiences impact their clinical practice.
2. Understand family systems theories, concepts, and definitions and family assessment consistent with 1st and 2nd order change.
3. Indicate a foundational understanding and ability to apply theoretical understanding into practical application.
4. Consider the impact of ecological, cross-cultural, and structural variations on family systems and become familiar with the various forms family violence may take.
5. Identify gender construction in social, political, religious, economic and cultural contexts and its impact on girl's/women's and boy's/men's identity, roles and relationships.
6. Understand the theory and practice of marriage and family therapy consistent with each of the following approaches: a) trans-generational, b) strategic, c) structural, d) experiential, e) psychoanalytic/dynamic, f) solution-focused, and g) narrative.
7. Discuss value and ethical dilemmas that may arise in clinical work, assessment, and research consistent with systemic thinking.
8. Understand and demonstrate systemic recordkeeping practices consistent with the California laws and ethics for LMFTs and LPCs.

Required Qualifications:

Candidates must have an M.S., M.A. or Ph.D. in the relevant area of Counseling or Psychology. Experience teaching at the graduate level or 3 years of experience as a practicing clinician (i.e., MFT, PCC, Clinical or Counseling Psychologist).

Preferred Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in Counseling or Psychology is highly desirable.

A successful record of teaching experience at the graduate level.

Current license in Marriage & Family Therapy, Professional Clinical Counseling, or Psychology.

A demonstrated commitment to teaching excellence, multicultural/international competence, social justice, clinical expertise, and familiarity with counseling & psychological theory and practice.

Must be a resident of California.

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/186065