Marriage and family therapy students’ experience with common factors training

With the increased empirical and theoretical support for common factors, marriage and family therapy (MFT) scholars have begun discussing the inclusion of common factors in MFT training. However, there is very little empirical research on this topic. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to investigate MFT students’ experience with common factors training. Seventeen master’s degree students who received training in common factors participated in the study. Data was comprised of participants’ journal reflections and focus group interviews. Participants’ responses to the training were overwhelmingly positive and highlighted ways in which the training enhanced their confidence, understanding of MFT models, conceptual abilities, and clinical practice. Additional results and discussion about incorporating common factors in MFT training are presented.