Welcome, University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work students! Did you know that the Denver Family Institute evolved at your program? In 1981, we were called the Family Therapy Training Center of Colorado, and we began in the social work program. With the department’s support and blessing, DFI became a stand-alone post-degree institute in 1990 and then obtained accreditation from COAMFTE.

DFI and DU continue to enjoy the mutual benefits of a 25-year partnership to all involved, especially the students.

The joint program allows GSSW second year and advanced standing students to take the first year courses at DFI while in graduate school. A discount on the coursework, in the form of a scholarship, provides further incentive to take the courses while in graduate school for those interested in marriage and family therapy and additional clinical training. Our students report that the DFI coursework offers an excellent addition to their DU training. “It's like the icing on top of the cake,” said one recent student.

The program continues to expand in terms of the diversity of our faculty, students, clients, supporters and board members. We have a strong non-discrimination stance, and you can read our Diversity Statement on this web site.

Feedback from DU students on the courses is available through GSSW and at DFI.

Students take the first year courses and gain credit for them as electives at GSSW. These courses are available to most students, regardless of the track they enroll in at DU. See your advisor for details. Approved Supervisor Lynn Parker, LCSW, is the DFI Liaison at the University of Denver and is an excellent resource who can answer many questions.

Students who are in good standing matriculate into the DFI COAMFTE-Accredited Marriage and Family Therapy Training Program upon graduation from DU.

Internships

DFI also offers internships for second year and advanced standing students as part of our partnership with the GSSW. Students officially apply for internships at the Field Fair each spring. Interviews can often be done at the Field Fair, so please bring your resume and any other supporting documents you would like to share with us.

Interns must also take the first year courses, but not all students in the Joint Program complete their internships at DFI. Some students who plan to complete the MFT training certificate choose to do their internships at a different placement while taking the first year courses.

The DU/DFI Community

Students report some unanticipated extra benefits from enrolling in the Joint Program. The DU/DFI Joint Program students get to know each other in a unique way and develop bonds that often last for years. In addition, the coursework at DFI adds to the overall DU experience. Students meet other DFI students from different graduate schools or post-graduate students working in the community or in private practice. Plus, students from DU consistently report that they enjoy the DFI experience. Our Wednesday evening classes also allow students to keep weekends free for their personal lives or to do clinical work. If you are looking to be the best clinician you can be and want to learn more about systems work and relational therapy, give us a call.

Also, please know that DFI operates with a “marketing free” environment within the program. We do not try to push additional training, certificates or programs on our students. The goal is to allow the quality of our courses, supervision, and training community to speak for themselves.

Visit the GSSW web site for more details.

Thank you for your interest in DFI. Please spread the word about our clinic and training program. Your support, involvement and referrals make all the difference.